On The Role Of Interpreters In Speech Interpreting From The Perspective Of Skopostheorie

Globalization has tremendously increased intercultural communication at all levels. In recent years, community-based speeches delivered in different languages have become frequent and commonplace in China. Unlike those at large-scale conferences, these speeches tend to be informal and audience members of such speeches are usually familiar with each other. This kind of speech has brought forth new requirements as well as challenges for interpreters.Traditional views about the role of interpreters in conference interpreting hold that interpreters should remain neutral and passive, following the speaker as closely as possible so that the authoritativeness of the speaker is maintained. In community-based speeches, however, interpreters are more active and visible to a usually friendlier speaker and a group of more responsive listeners. Therefore, the role of interpreters in speech interpreting needs to be redefined and re-examined.This thesis first reviews previous researches on the role of interpreters, and then provides a brief introduction to the history and basics of Skopostheorie. The core content of this thesis consists of case studies of interpreting "Bridge" talks, a series of life talks delivered every Saturday afternoon for the local community in Xiamen, Fujian Province. Through analyses of both verbal and non-verbal behaviors of "Bridge" interpreters as well as interviews with them under the guidance of Skopostheorie, the author concludes that interpreters for community-based speech audiences should play the multiple roles of language converter, meeting coordinator and "deputy" speaker. This study suggests that, to achieve the most desirable effect of communication, interpreters for community-based speech audiences should enhance their cultural awareness and understand the skopos of each speech well.