In this paper the author comments on interpreting and, to some extent, on translation from the point of view of Communication Studies. The author readily admits that Communication Studies is hardly a homogeneous discipline with only one coherent view on its subject matter. On the contrary, there are many different approaches to communication, and the author brings to the fore some of the controversies, and suggests that they have somewhat different consequences for theories of translation and interpreting. In particular, he lays out some features of a so-called dialogical view of cognition and communication, and explores some of its implications. The paper first deals with language and communication at a general and abstract level, then proceeds to some concrete examples of what a dialogue analysis can contribute and, in a final instance, returns to some general considerations.