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Linking up with Video: Perspectives on interpreting practice and research
Edited by Heidi Salaets and Geert Brône
[Benjamins Translation Library 149] 2020
► pp. 13–45

Chapter 1
“Going video”

Mediality and multimodality in interpreting

This chapter explores the link between interpreting and video mainly by engaging in a conceptual analysis drawing on insights from social semiotics and communication studies. Departing from an understanding of speech as a semiotic mode in the oral-aural modality, the development of interpreting practices since the early twentieth century is reviewed with respect to the use of technology as a sign-conveying medium. Special emphasis is given to the introduction of “telephonic” interpreting and its implications for “visibility” in interpreter-mediated communication before the introduction of audiovisual transmission systems. Based on the examination of some existing models of multimodal language use, and further theoretical reflection, a conceptual framework is suggested to account more explicitly for different medium-based forms of interpreting and for the communicative dynamics shaped by the mediality of these practices. On this foundation, video is discussed as a technological medium supporting novel professional practices as well as research approaches.

Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Basic concepts and professional practices
    • Modes, media and (multi)modality in mediation
    • Mediality and visibility in interpreting
  • Media and modalities: Toward a multimodal model
    • A hierarchical network of modes
    • Modeling productive and receptive processes in mediated interaction
  • Video in interpreting practice and research
    • Video
    • Practice: From telephonic to televisual
    • Research: Video-based analysis of a multimodal practice
  • Conclusion
  • References
Published online: 13 January 2020
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/btl.149.02poc
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