The History of Research into Conference Interpreting
A Scientometric Approach
Published online: 4 May 2001
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.12.2.07gil
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.12.2.07gil
Abstract
Quantitative analysis of the literature of conference interpreting research (CIR) highlights interesting features of its historical evolution. Paradigm shifts in the seventies and late eighties have intensified its overall production and are associated with the disappearance of some major production centers and the emergence of others. The total population of authors has increased over the years, but only a few dozen have shown long-term productive research activity, and much CIR is conducted independently of any academic institution. Institutional and economic factors seem to account for limitations in the development of CIR so far. Empirical studies represent only a small proportion of the total CIR production, but their proportion in M.A. and graduation theses is far higher. Limitations of quantitative analysis without a qualitative component are highlighted, and suggestions are made for further explorations along the way.
Résumé
Une analyse quantitative de la ‘littérature’ met en valeur des éléments intéressants dans l’évolution de la recherche sur l’interprétation de conférence. Des changements de paradigmes dans les années 70 et à la fin des années 80 ont intensifié la production de publications et sont accompagnés de la disparition de certains centres importants et de l’émergence de nouveaux centres. Le nombre total d’auteurs a augmenté au fil des ans, mais quelques dizaines d’entre eux seulement ont une productivité soutenue, et on note une activité de recherche importante en dehors des cadres universitaires. Des facteurs institutionnels et économiques semblent expliquer les limites de l’évolution de la recherche sur l’interprétation jusqu’ici. Les études empiriques ne représentent qu’une faible proportion de la production totale, mais une part bien plus importante des mémoires de deuxième et troisième cycle. L’article montre les limites d’une analyse quantitative sans l’apport d’un élément qualitatif. Des questions complémentaires à explorer plus avant sont mises en relief au fil de l’analyse.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.The Corpus
- 3.The Growth of CIR
- 4.Types of Texts
- 4.1.Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Dissertations
- 4.2.M.A. and Graduation Theses
- 4.3.Papers in Collective Volumes
- 5.The Themes of CIR
- a.Training
- b.Professional Issues
- c.Language Issues
- d.Consecutive Interpreting
- e.Cognitive Issues
- f.Quality Issues
- g.Other Issues
- 6.Authors and Their Productivity
- 7.Production Centers
- 8.Qualitative Factors in the Evolution of CIR
- 8.1.Production and Motivation
- 8.1.1.Single Personalities
- 8.1.2.Economic Factors
- 8.1.3.Institutional Factors
- 8.2.Attitudes: Opening Up in CIR
- 8.3.Aspirations and Limitations
- 8.3.1.Limitations in Communication
- 8.3.2.Limitations in Interdisciplinarity
- 8.3.3.Limitations in the Development of Empirical Studies
- 8.1.Production and Motivation
- 9.Conclusion
- Acknowledgements
- Notes
- Tables and Figures
References
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