The role of the affective in interpreting in conflict zones
Lucía Ruiz Rosendo | University of Geneva
This article explores the role of the affective in interpreting in intractable conflicts. Drawing on the results of a
participatory research project exploring the lived experiences of civilian interpreters and Spanish military personnel who worked in
Afghanistan, the article argues that emotions shape the interpreter’s behaviour and have an impact on the interpreter’s positionality. There
are differences, however, between national and local interpreters, which stem from their previous experiences and how these have shaped
their understanding of the conflict. This has also led them to develop different attitudes that influence their perception and
interpretation of reality. Accepting that emotions do exist and that they influence the interpreter’s decisions and behaviour should inform
the design of tailored training programmes. The key aspects of a well-informed training programme are therefore not limited to language and
culture, professionalism and ethics, and military competencies, but also include awareness about the role of emotions.
Keywords: interpreting, conflict zones, national interpreters, local interpreters, emotions, participatory research
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.The context
- 3.Examining emotions in wartime
- 4.Methodology
- 5.The role of emotions when interpreting in a conflict zone
- 6.Conclusion
- Acknowledgments
- Notes
-
References
Published online: 29 October 2020
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.18165.rui
https://doi.org/10.1075/target.18165.rui
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