The multiplicity and dynamics of the interpreter’s roles in mediating cultural differences

A qualitative inquiry based on an international collaborative teacher professional development programme

Bibliographic Data

ID12701892
AuthorsTianyi Wang (0000-0002-0776-9387, University of Cambridge, corresponding author), Cahal Mclaughlin (0000-0002-8603-8610, University of Cambridge)
Year2022
Volume23
Issue4
Pages414-428
Publication date2022-08-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLanguage and Intercultural Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1470-8477 • E-ISSN: 1747-759X
PublisherRoutledge (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14708477.2022.2112208
OpenAlexW4293700580
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited26

This paper investigates the role of interpreters in addressing cultural differences in the context of a cross-cultural collaborative teacher professional development project. Based on positioning theory, this study employed interpreter-mediated interactions and interviews to reveal the complex roles that interpreters played when interpreting culture-related terms. Findings revealed that interpreters' roles were shifting between those of transmitters of information, cultural insiders and constructors of shared understandings between interlocutors. Notably, the lack of training in this specialised field obliged interpreters to rely mainly on their personal experiences to judge which role they should play in the face of cultural differences

Context (archaeology · Cultural diversity · Dynamics (music · Intercultural communication · Interpreter · Pedagogy · Professional development · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Anthropology · Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies · Multilingual Education and Policy · Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access