Interpreting Studies Research Articles

From “Within” to “Beyond” in interpreting studies

Abstract While there have been recent calls for an “outward turn” in (written) translation studies, interpreting researchers have mostly taken an inward-looking view of interpreting and investigated it as a semi-closed system and an arguably self-interested practice from within, despite the fact that interpreting in various forms and settings has been a co-constructing factor in the transfer of knowledge and also a vital shaper of history, (geo)politics, culture, religion, communication, and our human civilization. Going from “within” to “beyond,” this article conceptualizes interpreting as a consequential socio-political and historical shaping force and a source of inter/trans-disciplinary conviviality and argues for an outward turn in interpreting studies (IS). This article reviews pertinent recent studies with interdisciplinary and outward-looking features that have endeavored to answer the important “so-what” question in IS. These studies highlight the vital role and far-reaching impact of interpreting and interpreters in shaping different spheres of human communication and civilization across time and space. The article also points out directions to move IS forward from a predominantly inward-looking practice. We argue that it is high time we ventured out of our comfort zone, got off the well-trodden path, and took an outward-looking view of interpreting so that the sub-discipline can have more meaningful and mutually enriching dialogues with other disciplines and subject areas.

Impact of context on community interpreting research, practice & training

Although the notion of context is omnipresent in research in interpreting studies (IS), especially in community settings, and defines the ways in which interpreting is being practised, researched and trained, it has not yet been recognized or defined as a topic in its own right, at least not within IS. Starting from some theoretical notions on the concept of context, this article moves on to discuss different levels of context, namely, geographical, socio-institutional and interactional. By means of examples from a variety of settings in community interpreting (CI), it shows how the different levels of context interact, and, in these ways, have an impact on CI practice, research and training.

A Preliminary Review of Eye Tracking Research in Interpreting Studies: Retrospect and Prospects

The field of Interpreting Studies (IS) has witnessed an exponential increase in the development of new data-gathering techniques aimed at investigating some of the underlying cognitive and psychological processes.The present article provides a preliminary look into research studies applying eye tracking technology in the field of IS over the past few decades. The present study also aims at exploring the theoretical basis for different applications of eye tracking equipment in the investigation of the cognitive processes underlying interpreting by analyzing empirical research studies related to cognitive aspects of translation. The sampled studies are analyzed in terms of the contribution they provide for the joint development of eye tracking research in IS, in terms of the methodology used and the way data are processed and presented.Finally, the present article concludes with a discussion on future research focusing on possible developments and applications of eye tracking to authentic interpreting situational contexts. The final section presents new challenges and opportunities for unexplored applications of eye tracking in the field of IS. It is argued that interdisciplinary approaches can show the full range of possibilities of eye tracking research in the field of IS.

Traditions and innovation in IS – A personal analysis for 2016

In line with this issue’s main theme, traditions and innovation, the present review of Interpreting Studies (IS) focuses on what can be considered traditions in this very young (sub-)discipline, and attempts to identify trends which mark changes in them. Since this reviewer’s training and experience have been centered around conference interpreting, conference interpreting is the natural vantage point for his analysis. The data available for the analysis are probably rather representative for conference interpreting and make it possible to make some claims – the reviewer has been compiling conference interpreting data systematically for over 25 years2 – but the degree to which they are representative as regards other forms of interpreting is uncertain, which makes it difficult to make quantitative assessments of trends

Convergences and divergences between studies on translator training and interpreter training

Discussion on the convergences and divergences between Translation Studies (TS) and Interpreting Studies (IS) has taken place since the emergence of the latter. The unity and divide between translation and interpreting (T&I) activities are also strongly felt in the field of training. This study adopts a data-driven approach to examine research on translator and interpreter training. Based on an annotated database of T&I journal article entries, it shows the differences and similarities in research on translator training and interpreter training. Findings suggest that research on translator training and interpreter training share a thematic and methodological framework, but have different focuses on research themes and methods. The two sub-disciplines have different active authors, institutions and country/area rankings, linked by a small yet possibly growing number of cross-sub-disciplinary producers. These findings will shed much light on our knowledge of T&I activities and research.

Os estudos da tradução e da interpretação de línguas de sinais: novo campo disciplinar emergente?

Considering that Brazilian researches on translation and interpreting from/into/between sign languages can be combined into what is known as Sign Language Translation and Interpreting Studies (SLTIS), we carry out a reflection on the emergence of this new academic field and its direct connection to Translation Studies (TS) and Interpreting Studies (IS). Hence, we shall present the interdependence and fundamental distinction between TS and IS, search for references in the interpreting and translation of sign languages in major TS and IS writings, and reflect on the SLTIS in Brazil. This reflection is based on sign language translation and interpreting research carried out in graduate school and on the four editions of the National Conference on Sign Language Translation and Interpreting Research. We have observed that while the SLTIS stand out for involving a visual-gestural language, they also maintain an undeniable and necessary link to their origins, since they have no existence beyond the TS and IS academic fields.

The transcription of interpreting data

The growing interest in studies based on samples of authentic interpreting data goes hand in hand with the need to think of adequate methodologies to make such data available for research. During the 1980s, transcription issues posed a series of theoretical questions which may now be worth revisiting in the light of recent debates in Interpreting Studies (IS), and of new methodological instruments. Building on the premise that nothing is as practical as good theory, this paper aims at informing decisions on transcribing interpreting events. It first reviews some general theoretical issues involved in any transcription of oral data, and then engages with issues that are particular to IS.

The Distinctive Nature of Interpreting Studies

AbstractIn every sub-area of Translation Science (used as a hyperonym for Translating and Interpreting Studies) the formulation of a theory is a matter of concepts, structures and methodological problems. The author (1) provides a definition of interpreting, (2) structures Interpreting Studies (IS) according to general, special and particular theories for both theoretical and applied domains and (3) emphasizes the problem of the validity of experimental investigations as a major methodological issue in IS.