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Article published In: Interpreting
Vol. 23:2 (2021) ► pp.269–295

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Ideology, positionality and war

Local interpreters in Afghanistan

 | University of Granada
 | University of Granada
Published online: 12 July 2021
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.00063.mar
Abstract
The objective of this article is to explore issues of ideology in situations of interpreting in conflict zones. Research into interpreting in conflict zones is quite recent and has shed light on interesting aspects. Ideology is clearly present in war situations and may condition the interpreter’s role. This article seeks to identify examples of power relations and ideology by drawing on the narratives of five local interpreters who worked with Spanish troops stationed in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force between 2003 and 2015. The narratives were collected using a semi-structured interview technique. The findings indicate that ideology is reflected in the interpreters’ perception of their own role as agents working for the good of their country against a common enemy, even though they were potentially perceived by both sides in the conflict as possible traitors. The traditional narrative of the interpreter as an invisible and impartial facilitator of communication would not appear to be applicable in this context.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Interpreting and ideology: General considerations
  • 3.Interpreting in conflict zones
    • 3.1The case of Afghanistan
    • 3.2Role and conflicting allegiance
  • 4.Power
  • 5.Methodology
  • 6.Analysis
    • 6.1General background and biographical information
    • 6.2Activities of the interpreters
    • 6.3Working conditions
    • 6.4Uniforms
    • 6.5Narratives
      • 6.5.1Reasons for interpreting
      • 6.5.2Positionality
      • 6.5.3Professional role and function
        • 6.5.3.1Neutrality and aims when interpreting
        • 6.5.3.2Filtering and cultural explanations
      • 6.5.4Betrayal
  • 7.Conclusions
  • Notes
  • References
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