Interpretation Research in Japan

Masaomi Kondo and Akira Mizuno
Interpreting Research Association of Japan

Abstract

The following is a personal account of how a small number of conference interpreters and others interested in the conference interpreting profession in Japan launched the Interpreting Research Assocation of Japan. The paper also reviews some of the pertinent writings, mainly in Japanese, which discuss various aspects of conference interpreting. It is hoped that this article will help shed some light on a number of issues we face in promoting interpretation research, as well as on the profession itself, in Japan.

Table of contents

Research on interpreting in Japan is in its infancy. This paper aims to introduce to readers outside Japan the development in interpreting research inside Japan. It begins by considering the circumstances that have inspired interest in this area among some members of the interpreting profession in Japan, and then considers the range of Japanese literature on this topic. This paper covers the period up to September 1993 unless otherwise noted. Let us first look closely at how a group was formed to promote interpreting research.

Full-text access is restricted to subscribers. Log in to obtain additional credentials. For subscription information see Subscription & Price. Direct PDF access to this article can be purchased through our e-platform.

References

Arai, Kiwa
1991 “Tsûyaku ni kansuru bunken kenkyû” [Interpretation Literature Review]. Watanabe 1991 : 71–87.Google Scholar
Davidson, Peter
1992 “Segmentation of Japanese Source Language Discourse in Simultaneous Interpretation”. The Interpreters’ Newsletter, Special Issue No. 1. 2–11.Google Scholar
Fukui, Haruhiro and Tasuku Asano
1961Eigotsûyaku no jissai—Shoho kara dôjitsûyaku made [An English Interpreter’s Manual: From the Basics to Simultaneous Interpretation]. Tokyo: Kenkyûsha.Google Scholar
Funayama, Chuta
1993 “Danwa-kessokusei no tame no ninchifairu” [Cognitive Files for Discourse-Cohesion]. Ei-bei gengo bunka kenkyû (British and American Language and Culture) 41. 89–101.Google Scholar
Gile, Daniel
1988a “Observations sur l’enrichissement lexical dans la progression vers un japonais ’langue passive’ pour l’interprétation de conérence”. Meta 33:1. 79–89.   DOI logoGoogle Scholar
1988b “Les publications japonaises sur la traduction: un aperçu”. Meta 33:1. 115–126.   DOI logoGoogle Scholar
1992a “Predictable Sentence Endings in Japanese Conference Interpretation”. The Interpreters’ Newsletter, Special Issue No. 1. 12–23.Google Scholar
1992b “The Quarterly Journal of the Interpreting Research Association of Japan”. The Interpreters’ Newsletter, Special Issue No. 1. 71–72.Google Scholar
Hagiwara, Naoyuki
1986 “Daigakueigo chôkai kunren e no dôjichikuji tsûyaku(teki) gihô no dônyû—riron to jissen no kôka” [Introducing Interpreting Techniques in Listening Comprehension Training for University Students]. Kiyoshi Hasegawa and Kôichi Sumitomo, eds. Hôsôeigo no riyôhô. Tokyo: Taishûkan 1986 155–166.Google Scholar
Hara, Fujiko
1988 “Understanding the Silent Culture of the Japanese”. Meta 33:1. 22–24.   DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Hara, Mayumi
1975Nihon ni okeru kaigitsûyaku no shomondai ni kansuru ichi kôsatsu [Problems of Conference Interpreting in Japan]. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
Hiruma, Harue
1969A Study of Simultaneous Interpreting as a Process of Communication. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
Igarashi, Akihito
1987Eigo yonkyûsankyû tsûyakuginô kenteishiken: gôkaku e no tebiki [Accreditation Examination in Interpreting—English Grades 3 and 4: A Guide for Success]. Tokyo: Nanundo.Google Scholar
Iguchi, Sanae and Makiko Tanaka
1991 “Puro no tsûyakusha oyobi tsûyaku kunrensei no tsûyaku no yakushutsujô no tokuchô” [A Comparison of Performance of Professional Interpreters and Student Interpreters]. Watanabe 1991 : 143–237.Google Scholar
Iida, K. Cornelius
1986lesu no toki—Bei daitôryô tsuki nihonjin tsûyakukan no hansei [An Autobiography of a Japanese Interpreter Who Worked for the US President]. Tokyo: Kodansha.Google Scholar
Ilg, Gérard
1992 “Actualité”. Parallèles 14. 115–117.Google Scholar
Kobayashi, Kaoru
1982Dôjitsûyakuteki hassô ni yoru eigoryoku sheipu-appu [Polishing Up One’s English Proficiency Through Simultaneous Interpreting Techniques]. Tokyo: Groviewsha.Google Scholar
[ p. 103 ]
Kogure, Kyoko
1976Some Case Studies on the Contributing Factors Which Affect Three Parties—Speakers, Listeners and Interpreters—at International Conferences. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
Kondo, Masaomi
1988 “Japanese Interpreters in Their Socio-Cultural Context”. Meta 33:1. 64–69.   DOI logoGoogle Scholar
1989Gengo, bunka, hattentojôkoku [Language, Culture and Developing Countries]. Tokyo: Hokujushuppan.Google Scholar
1990a “Ima tsûyaku wo kangaeru” [Thinking About Interpreting Now]. Jijieigo kenkyû, October 1990-March 1991. Reprinted in Interpreting Research 1:1. 38–49.Google Scholar
1990b “What Conference Interpreters Should Not Be Expected to Do”. The Interpreters’ Newsletter 3. 59–65.Google Scholar
1992a “’Cassette Effect’ in Japanese Translation Words”. The Interpreters’, Newsletter, Special Issue No. 3. 24–34.Google Scholar
1992b “Eigo ni okeru kôchi shûshokusetsu no honyaku—dôjitsûyaku no shorihô yori manabu” [How English Postmodifying Clauses Can be Better Translated into Japanese—Lessons from Simultaneous Interpreting Techniques]. Daitô bunka daigaku kiyô—Humanities 30. 277–294.Google Scholar
Kunihiro, Masao
1981Ochikobore no eigo shugyô—Ibunka no kakehashi wo mezashite [English Training by a Dropout: In Search of a Bridge Between Cultures]. Tokyo: Nihoneigokyôikukyôkai.Google Scholar
Kunihiro, Masao, Sen Nishiyama and Nobuo Kanayama
1969Tsûyaku—Eikaiwa kara dôjitsûyaku made [Interpreting: From English Conversation to Simultaneous Interpretation]. Tokyo: Nihonhôsôshuppankyôkai.Google Scholar
Kunihiro, Masao and Kumiko Torikai
1982Eigo de nani wo yaru? [What Do You Do with English?]. Tokyo: Nihoneigokyôikukyôkai.Google Scholar
Laktorin-Inoue, Kumi
1991 “Ningenkyôiku to shite no tsûyakusha kyôiku” [Interpreter Training as Human Education]. Watanabe 1991 : 27–65.Google Scholar
Miura, Nobutaka
1991 “Cambridge—Dôtsû refresher course sanka hôkoku” [A Participant’s Report on the Cambridge Interpretation Refresher Course]. Interpreting Research 1:1. 14–21.Google Scholar
Miyazawa, Yuri
1978A Study on Team Approach in Simultaneous Interpreting. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
Mizuno, Akira
1992 “Hôsô tsûyaku no rironteki kadai” [Broadcast Interpreting: Its Tasks in a Theoretical Context]. Interpreting Research 2:1. 33–42.Google Scholar
1993a “Hôsô tsûyaku no rironteki kadai II” [Broadcast Interpreting: Its Tasks in a Theoretical Context II]. Interpreting Research 3:1. 31–37.Google Scholar
1993b “Dôjitsûyaku no dôtaimoderu ni mukete” [Towards a Dynamic Model of Simultaneous Interpreting]. Conference Proceedings: Fourth International Japanese/English Translation Conference (IJET-4). Brisbane: The University of Queensland. 421–447.Google Scholar
1993c “Tsûyakusha ni yoru tsûyakukenkyû no hôhô” [Methodological Issues of Interpretation Research by Interpreters]. Interpreting Research 3:2. 29–38.Google Scholar
Motomura, Maki
1991Nagasaki tsûji no kenkyû [A Study of Nagasaki Translators/Interpreters]. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
[ p. 104 ]
Muramatsu, Masumi
1978Watashi mo eigo ga hanasenakatta [I Couldn’t Speak English Either]. Tokyo: Simul Press.Google Scholar
1979Zoku—Watashi mo eigo ga hanasenakatta [I Couldn’t Speak English Either: A Sequel]. Tokyo: Simul Press.Google Scholar
1986Dakara eigo wa omoshiroi [How Humor Helps Communication]. Tokyo: Simul Press.Google Scholar
Nagata, Kumiko
1981Kokusaikaigi senmontsûyakusha ni kansuru ichi kôsatsu—Josei no atarashii shokugyô to shite [An Essay on Conference Interpreters: A New Profession for Women]. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
Ng, Bee Chin
1992 “End User’s Subjective Reaction to the Performance of Student Interpreters”. The Interpreters’ Newsletter, Special Issue No. 1. 35–41.Google Scholar
Ng, Bee Chin Yasuko Obana
1991 “The Use of Introspection in the Study of Problems Relating to Interpretation from Japanese to English”. Meta 36:2/3. 367–381.Google Scholar
Ng, Bee Chin and Yasuko Obana
1992 “The Significance of Speech Levels in English-Japanese Interpretation”. The Interpreters’ Newsletter, Special Issue No. 1. 42–51.Google Scholar
Nihon Convention Services Interpreting Department
(Masaomi Kondo, Keiko Sato, Yoshio Hida and Yuko Matsuoka) 1991Puro ga akasu eigo jôtatsu no kotsu [Tips to Improve Your English Proficiency Offered by Professional Conference Interpreters]. Tokyo: Kodansha International.Google Scholar
Nihon Tsûyaku, Kyôkai
ed. 1976Tsûyaku kyôhon—Eigo tsûyaku he no michi [An Interpretation Textbook: The Way to English Interpreting]. Tokyo: Taishûkan.Google Scholar
ed. 1977Eigo tsûyaku kunren teepu kôza [NTK Tape Lectures: Interpreter Training Course]. Tokyo: Nihon Tsûyaku Kyôkai.Google Scholar
ed. 1987aTsûyaku ginô kentei: mondai to kaisetsu: Eigo 1-2 kyû [An Accreditation Examination: Questions and Explanatory Notes: English Grades 1-2]. Tokyo: Nihon Tsûyaku Kyôkai.Google Scholar
ed. 1987bTsûyaku ginô kentei: mondai to kaisetsu: Eigo 3-4 kyû [An Accreditation Examination: Questions and Explanatory Notes: English Grades 3-4]. Tokyo: Nihon Tsûyaku Kyôkai.Google Scholar
ed. 1989Tsûyaku kentei shiken toppa: Eigo tsûyaku nyûmon [Passing the Interpretation Accreditation Examination: An Introduction to English-Japanese Interpreting]. Tokyo: Nihon Tsûyaku Kyôkai.Google Scholar
Nishimura, Tomoko
1969Nihon ni okeru dôjitsûyaku no rekishiteki kôsatsu [A Historical Perspective of Simultaneous Interpreting in Japan]. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
Nishio, Michiko
1986 “A Brief Introduction to the Mechanics of Simultaneous Interpretation with Special Reference to Japanese-English Interpretation”. The Language Teacher 10:2. 4–12.Google Scholar
Nishiyama, Sen
1970Tsûyakujutsu [Interpreting Technique]. Tokyo: Jitsugyô no Nihonsha.Google Scholar
1972Gokai to rikai—nihonjin to amerikajin [Misunderstanding and Understanding—Japanese and Americans]. Tokyo: Simul Press.Google Scholar
1979Tsûyakujutsu to watashi [Interpreting Technique: A Personal Outlook]. Tokyo: Purejidentosha.Google Scholar
1988aEigo no tsûyaku [Japanese-English Interpreting]. Tokyo: Simul Press.Google Scholar
[ p. 105 ]
1988b “Simultaneous Interpreting in Japan and the Role of Television: A Personal Narration”. Meta 33:1. 64–69.   DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Ooi, Takashi
1991 “Kôtô ni yoru eigo hyôgenryoku zôkyô no tame no ichi shian—tsûyaku kunrenhô no ôyô” [Enhancing Oral Expression Skills in English—An Application of Interpretation Training Methods]. Watanabe 1991 : 17–26.Google Scholar
Quini, Harry
1993 “English Broadcast Interpreting in Japan”. Interpreting Research 3:1. 38–45.Google Scholar
Saito, Mitsuko
1974 “An Outline of Research on the Current Status of Professional Conference Interpreter Training and Future Needs”. reprinted in Watanabe 1991 : 509–638.Google Scholar
1991 “Tsûyaku gijutsu to riron no kôchiku” [Establishing Interpreting Techniques and Theory]. Watanabe 1991 : 449–764.Google Scholar
Saito, Nobuko
1990Dôjitsûyaku no kenkyû [A Study of Simultaneous Interpretation]. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
Sato, Tomoko
1984Eigo kagyô hodo suteki na shôbai wa nai [There Is No Business Like English Business]. Tokyo: Asuka shuppansha.Google Scholar
Sensui, Hirotaka
1991 “Tsûyaku ni kansuru ankêto chôsa—tsûyaku ni taisuru ishiki chôsa oyobi sono kôsatsu” [Results of a Survey on Interpreting—The Perception of Interpreting]. Watanabe 1991 : 239–372.Google Scholar
Shinoda, Akiko and Ryûko Shinzaki
1990Kyô kara anata no eigo wa kawaru!—Puro kara nusumu dôjitsûyaku no tekunikku [Change Your English from Today—Learning Simultaneous Interpretation Techniques from the Professionals]. Tokyo: Nihon hôsô shuppan kyôkai.Google Scholar
1992Eigo wa onna wo kaeru—dôjitsûyakusha ga mita komyunikêshon no fushigi [Interpreting Women]. Tokyo: Hamanoshuppan.Google Scholar
Sugimoto, Tsutomu
1988 “The Inception of Translation Culture in Japan”. Meta 33:1. 25–31.   DOI logoGoogle Scholar
1990Nagasaki—Tsûji monogatari—Kotoba to bunka no honyakusha [The Story of the Nagasaki Translators and Interpreters, Translators of Language and Culture]. Tokyo: Sôtakusha.Google Scholar
Tanaka, Makiko
1991a “Puro no tsûyakusha e no intâbyû hôkoku” [A Report on Interviews with Professional Conference Interpreters]. Watanabe 1991 : 91–104.Google Scholar
1991b “Montereidaigaku daigakuin nado no tsûyakukôgi jijô” [The Interpreting Course at the Monterey Institute of International Studies]. Watanabe 1991 : 105–119.Google Scholar
Tanimoto, Hideyasu
1989Ibunka kan komyunikêshon to tsûyakusha no yakuwari: dôjitsûyaku no gihô bunseki to jissai [Intercultural Communication and the Role of Interpreters: A Technical Analysis and Practical Aspects of Simultaneous Interpreting]. Tokyo: Eichôsha shinsha.Google Scholar
Tominaga, Masayuki
1991 “Ei-nichi dôjitsûyaku ni miru yakushutsu shorihôhô” [English-Japanese Simultaneous Interpreting Techniques]. Interpreting Research 1:1. 32–35.Google Scholar
Torikai, Kumiko
1976Eigo ni sayônara [Goodbye to English]. Tokyo: Jitsugyô no Nihonsha.Google Scholar
1993 “Jijieigo kyôiku no ikkan to shite no kaigitsûyaku kunren” [Conference Interpreting Training for the Teaching of Current English]. Jiji Eigogaku Kenkyû [Current English Studies] 32. 191–195.Google Scholar
[ p. 106 ]
Tsukamoto, Keiichi
1987Chûgokugo no tsûyaku [Interpreting Chinese]. Tokyo: Simul Press.Google Scholar
Uda, Fumio and Harumi Tokunaga
1978Rosiago tsûyaku tokuhon [Textbook of Russian-Japanese Interpreting]. Tokyo: Nihon hôsô shuppankyôkai.Google Scholar
Ueda, Mariko
1981A Study on Employment of Music for Training of Simultaneous Interpreters as Communication Specialists. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
Wakabayashi, Judy
1992 “Some Characteristics of Japanese Style and the Implications for Japanese-English Translation”. The Interpreters’ Newsletter, Special Issue No. 1. 60–68.Google Scholar
Watanabe, Shoichi
ed. 1991Mombushô josei kagaku kenkyû: Gaikokugo kyôiku no ikkan to shite no tsûyaku yôsei no tame no kyôiku naiyô hôhô no kaihatsu ni kansuru sôgôteki kenkyû [A Comprehensive Study on the Development of Interpretation Training Methodology as a Part of Foreign Language Training]. Report on a project funded by the Japanese Ministry of Education. Published in March 1991 by the office of Prof. Matsuo of Sophia University, Tokyo.
Yamada, Taki
1987Some Theoretical Problems Encountered by International Conference Interpreters: A General Semantics Perspective. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
Yamazaki, Isako
1981Kokusaikaigi tsûyakusha yôsei ni okeru CAI no kôyô to genkai [The Effectiveness and Limitations of CAI in the Training of Conference Interpreters]. Tokyo: International Christian University. [BA Thesis.]Google Scholar
Yoshimura, Akira
1986Umi no sairei [A Sea Festival]. Tokyo: Bungei shûnjusha.Google Scholar
1991Kurofune [Black Warships]. Tokyo: Chûokôronsha.Google Scholar
Yoshitomi, Asako and Kiwa Arai
1991 “Tsûyaku katei ni kansuru kisojikken” [A Basic Experiment on the Interpreting Process]. Watanabe 1991 : 373–439.Google Scholar