Interpreting as an interlingual and intercultural profession

Abstract

Interpreting is both an interlingual and an intercultural profession as it bridges the gaps between languages and cultures and enables efficient communication. Therefore, interpreters must not only have good knowledge of their working languages, but also of the culture of their working languages. This dissertation examines different interpreting contexts, namely conference, court, community, media and sign language interpreting. It also delineates what the literature suggests as the optimal conditions for a successful interpreting exercise to take place in these contexts. In this study an analysis of the current state of affairs in the Maltese interpreting sector is carried out. The local interpreting situation is compared to the situation abroad and to the ideal situation that the literature describes. Through this analysis various recommendations and suggestions for further research are put forward. This dissertation aims to show how multi-faceted the interpreting profession can be, as well as how the local interpreting sector can be broadened and strengthened to its full potential to the benefit of both interpreters and clients.