Article published In: Translation and Interpreting Studies
Vol. 14:3 (2019) ► pp.479–499
Thematic Cluster
Native interpreters in Russian America
Published online: 13 November 2019
https://doi.org/10.1075/tis.19063.bla
https://doi.org/10.1075/tis.19063.bla
Abstract
This article analyzes the formation of a special professional group of indigenous translator-interpreters in the
Russian colonies of America (including Mestizos-Creoles). They shared with the Russians all the hardships of opening up new lands,
acted as mediators between the new arrivals and the natives, settled conflicts, warned the Russians about dangers, and sometimes
perished during shipwrecks and attacks by hostile locals. Some of the interpreters participated in creating a written language for
the native inhabitants of Alaska.
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