The History of Research into Conference Interpreting: A Scientometric Approach

Gile, Daniel

doi:10.1075/target.12.2.07gil

Article published In:

Target
Vol. 12:2 (2000) ► pp.297–321

The History of Research into Conference Interpreting

A Scientometric Approach

Daniel Gile | Université Lumière Lyon 2

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.

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
9.Conclusion
Acknowledgements
Notes
Tables and Figures
References

Published online: 4 May 2001

https://doi.org/10.1075/target.12.2.07gil

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