Redefining The Specific Role Of Liaison Interpreters

The issue of defining the role of interpreters under various working modes has been a hot topic for decades in the interpreting academy, especially after the so-called "cultural turn" of interpreting and translation research. Traditionally speaking, it used to be commonly understood that the interpreter should but translate during an interpreting event. However, the real-life practice is always more than merely that.The thesis is a tentative exploration of the specific role of the liaison interpreter during the communicative interaction. The author begins with a brief historical review of descriptions and metaphors ever used in exploring the role of interpreters in the interpreting and translation academy. It is pointed out at the end of the chapter that due to the uniqueness of working mode of liaison interpreting, the three above-mentioned role categories, namely helper, conduit model and cultural mediator, which is applicable to all kinds of interpreting, can not accurately showcase the nature and function of liaison interpreters' role. In succession, a comprehensive definition and some salient features of liaison interpreting are listed in Chapter Two. Followed is the major part, theoretical analysis and explorations of the unique role by applying "power and control" theory for an liaison interpreter during triadic communicative service. Chapter Four proceeds to the methods and tactics to maintain a moderate involved role for liaison interpreters in the interpreting event.Noticing that there is not yet much in-depth discussion of the role focusing on liaison interpreters, and therefore, from viewpoint of interpreting theoretical studies, this thesis wishes to serve as a trigger for more researchers to better deepen study on this particular meaningful topic. On the other hand, it is believed that it is also of great importance for the liaison interpreters themselves to fetch a clear recognition of the role they play in the interpreting event, which can ensure qualified professionalism and a satisfactory outcome.