Researching interpreting
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Franz Pöchhacker
Abstract
This chapter addresses some of the more fundamental issues in research on interpreting. After a reflection on the purpose and use of research on interpreting, the diversity of concepts, models and interdisciplinary approaches is used as a point of departure for a reflection on the identity of the field as a scientific discipline. Based on a review of basic epistemological positions and methodological choices, interpreting studies is portrayed as an empirical-interpretive discipline with an affinity to the social sciences and a natural sensitivity to constructivist orientations. Given the wide array of methodological options, mixed-methods designs are discussed and exemplified as a promising approach that transcends the quantitative-vs-qualitative controversy and is well attuned to the complexity of the object of study.
Abstract
This chapter addresses some of the more fundamental issues in research on interpreting. After a reflection on the purpose and use of research on interpreting, the diversity of concepts, models and interdisciplinary approaches is used as a point of departure for a reflection on the identity of the field as a scientific discipline. Based on a review of basic epistemological positions and methodological choices, interpreting studies is portrayed as an empirical-interpretive discipline with an affinity to the social sciences and a natural sensitivity to constructivist orientations. Given the wide array of methodological options, mixed-methods designs are discussed and exemplified as a promising approach that transcends the quantitative-vs-qualitative controversy and is well attuned to the complexity of the object of study.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Opening quote xi
- Introduction 1
- Researching interpreting 5
- Designing a research project 27
- Identifying and interpreting scientific phenomena 47
- The first three years of a three-year grant 59
- Methodology in interpreting studies 85
- If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a noise? 121
- “Mark my words” 153
- Developing and transmitting a shared interpreting research ethos 177
- Profession in pentimento 199
- Through a historical lens 225
- Bimodal bilingual interpreting in the U.S. healthcare system 241
- Index 261
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Opening quote xi
- Introduction 1
- Researching interpreting 5
- Designing a research project 27
- Identifying and interpreting scientific phenomena 47
- The first three years of a three-year grant 59
- Methodology in interpreting studies 85
- If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a noise? 121
- “Mark my words” 153
- Developing and transmitting a shared interpreting research ethos 177
- Profession in pentimento 199
- Through a historical lens 225
- Bimodal bilingual interpreting in the U.S. healthcare system 241
- Index 261
