Gu, C. orcid.org/0000-0002-5286-5263 and Wang, B. orcid.org/0000-0003-2404-5214 (2023) From “Within” to “Beyond” in Interpreting Studies: Conceptualizing Interpreting as a Socio-political and Historical Shaping Force and a Source of Inter/trans-disciplinary Conviviality. Babel. Revue internationale de la traduction / Babel. International Journal of Translation. ISSN 0521-9744
Abstract
While there have been recent calls for an “outward turn” in (written) translation studies, interpreting researchers have mostly taken an inward-looking view of interpreting and investigated it as a semi-closed system and an arguably self-interested practice from within, despite the fact that interpreting in various forms and settings has been a co-constructing factor in the transfer of knowledge and also a vital shaper of history, (geo)politics, culture, religion, communication, and our human civilization. Going from “within” to “beyond,” this article conceptualizes interpreting as a consequential socio-political and historical shaping force and a source of inter/trans-disciplinary conviviality and argues for an outward turn in interpreting studies (IS). This article reviews pertinent recent studies with interdisciplinary and outward-looking features that have endeavored to answer the important “so-what” question in IS. These studies highlight the vital role and far-reaching impact of interpreting and interpreters in shaping different spheres of human communication and civilization across time and space. The article also points out directions to move IS forward from a predominantly inward-looking practice. We argue that it is high time we ventured out of our comfort zone, got off the well-trodden path, and took an outward-looking view of interpreting so that the sub-discipline can have more meaningful and mutually enriching dialogues with other disciplines and subject areas.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: | |
Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2023 Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs (FIT) Revue Babel. This is an author produced version of an article accepted for publication in Babel. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. The final version is available at: https://doi.org/10.1075/babel.00366.gu. |
Keywords: | interdisciplinarity; interprétologie; virage vers l’extérieur; interdisciplinarité; outward turn; outward-looking; interpreting studies; tourné vers l’extérieur |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures (Leeds) > School of Languages Cultures & Societies (Leeds) > Translation Studies (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 29 Apr 2024 15:00 |
Last Modified: | 29 Apr 2024 15:00 |
Status: | Published online |
Publisher: | John Benjamins Publishing Company |
Identification Number: | 10.1075/babel.00366.gu |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:211992 |