Due to Descriptive Translation Studies, research on written translation has always placed emphasis on contextualizing translations, but this has not been the case in work on conference interpreting. Calls have nevertheless been made for a more sociological viewpoint, with 'norms' as a focal point. Research on conference interpreting has started becoming more sociologically oriented and is moving towards more contextualization. While researchers who want to study conference interpreting as situation action can benefit from the theoretical and methodological discussion in Translation Studies in general, their findings will certainly help shape the discussion in Translation and Interpreting Studies as a whole.