Social Interaction, Simultaneous Interpretation, and Shared Identity

Steph Kent is a US nationally-certified interpreter for the Deaf who is
currently researching the use of simultaneous interpretation at the
European Parliament.

Presenter: Steph Kent
Title: Social Interaction, Simultaneous Interpretation, and Shared Identity
Date: 18th March 2009
Time: 7pm
Venue: Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS
BSL/English Interpreter:

All welcome!

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Abstract
We can see dialogue interpreting as a cultural form of
communication which contemporary social theory can help us to
understand. Interpreters transfer information between people who
do not share the same language - but they do more than that. The
people taking part in the exchange, the Deaf person, hearing person
and interpreter, each has roles and norms which can be seen as
social rituals. The way the participants take part in the interpreting
exchange helps to maintain linguistic and cultural differences. But
are the participants aware that they are doing this? If they are,
perhaps it can help to make a fairer and more equal society. Steph
Kent is a US nationally-certified interpreter for the Deaf who is
currently researching the use of simultaneous interpretation (for
spoken languages) at the European Parliament.