The Role Of Educational Interpreters From The Perspective Of Actor-Network Theory

This report is based on the author's interpreting practice.Within the Actor-Network theory,the interpreter-mediated event is regarded as an actor-network.Through identification of actors in the interpreting activity,the establishment of the focal actor and the obligatory passage point,and understanding of the obstacles and interests of each actor,this report probes into the four roles played by the interpreter,namely,assistants,text-organizer,cultural mediator and co-constructor,in building and maintaining the actor-network.Based on specific case analysis,this report arrives at a conclusion:in a setting as dynamic as a classroom,it is not enough for educational interpreters to conceive themselves as a passive conduit or an insignificant other.Rather,educational interpreters must recognize their responsibility as the prominent actor and the OPP in building and sustaining the actor-network.While interpreting,educational interpreters should take notice of the macro and micro dynamics in the network,including verbal and non-verbal signals emitted by human and non-human actors,and then enact different roles,so as to find the best strategy to meet the needs and expectations of the other actors.