WEBINAR: Workplace Interpreting (part 1)

Presenter- Jules Dickinson

Revisiting Workplace Interpreting– where are we now?

In 2010 I completed my PhD research into the the workplace interpreter’s role, detailed in my thesis, ‘Interpreting in a Community of Practice’. I subsequently widely disseminated the outcomes of my research via a variety of articles, and through the publication of ‘Signed Language Interpreting in the Workplace’ (Gallaudet University Press). The intervening decade has seen further research in to this field, including a more detailed focus on the Designated Interpreter model. Importantly, we have increasingly seen the perspective of the deaf professional added to this body of work.

Has anything changed in the last 10 years? My personal experience of interpreting in the workplace domain, as well as feedback from colleagues and supervisees, suggests that many of us continue to face the same challenges and dilemmas outlined by my original research respondents. Role, boundaries and managing workplace interaction continue to be thorny and problematic issues.

In this webinar I will use ASLI’s recent ‘Guidelines for Workplace Interpreting’ as a springboard to explore developments in the workplace interpreter’s role over the last decade, and look at how we can work more collaboratively with all parties, deaf and hearing, to bring about practical and effective change.

Jules Dickinson- Biography

Jules is an experienced community interpreter and qualified Professional Supervisor. She is passionate about supporting interpreters to be healthy and resilient practitioners.

Jules’ PhD examined the ways in which the interpreter impacts upon workplace interaction, focussing on humour and small talk in meetings. She continues to support the development of the interpreting profession as a trainer, research-practitioner, and consultant.