Interpreter’s Subjectivity in Interpreting from The Perspective of Interpretive Theory-- An Example of Zhang Jing's Interpretation in the 2021 China-US High-Level Strategic Dialogue

Abstract

Interpreters, who are the main actors in interpretation, might even play a decisive role in some negotiations. But in conventional interpretation, they were frequently disregarded or even undervalued to the point where they were once referred to as "translation machines." This essay uses interpretive theory as a guide to analyze the subjectivity of interpreters in political and diplomatic meetings, using the 2021 China-US High-level Strategic Dialogue as the research object. It aims to further explore the factors that influence interpreters' subjectivity in diplomatic activities. According to the study, interpreter acts as a mediator between the two parties as well as a transmitter of information, and is required to have an extensive spectrum of expertise. Based on proper comprehension, he or she should be immune from the linguistic symbols of the source language, allow full display of subjectivity, and flexibly employ methodologies of interpretation to reformulate in a manner that is consistent with the conventions of the targeted language.