Ideology and Conference Interpreting: A Case Study of the Summer Davos Forum in China

Gao's research systematically reveals how ideology and linguistic 're-engineering' can lead to discourse reconstruction in conference interpreting at the Summer Davos Forum in China. By analyzing the appraisal patterns of source and target texts, identifying 'us-and-them discourse structures, investigating interpreters' cognitions, and examining crossmodal means, Gao offers a comprehensive perspective on the role of interpreters in shaping political discourse.

Format: Hardback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Translation and interpretation are never entirely neutral practices in the realm of 'multi-voiced transnational communication'. To delve into the complexities of interpreters' ideological positioning, Gao employs an innovative methodological synthesis. This involves a comprehensive analysis of various aspects surrounding interpreters, including the appraisal patterns of source and target texts, the identification of 'us-and-them discourse structures, the exploration of interpreters' cognitions, and the examination of crossmodal means by which interpreters convey paralanguage. Collectively, these elements bridge the gap between socio-political and ideological concerns on the one hand and practical questions of discourse reconstruction in cross-language/cultural events on the other, providing a panoramic perspective.

This study is of immense value to scholars in the fields of translation and interpretation, particularly those with a keen interest in political discourse or the international relations context. It offers insightful insights into the ways in which ideology and linguistic 're-engineering' can shape discourse reconstruction, shedding light on the complex dynamics that unfold during cross-language/cultural interactions.

The case study of conference interpreting at the Summer Davos Forum in China serves as a powerful illustration of the ways in which ideology and linguistic re-engineering can influence discourse. Gao meticulously examines the practices and perspectives of interpreters in this setting, highlighting the ways in which their ideological positioning shapes their interpretation of the spoken language. Through a detailed analysis of the appraisal patterns of source and target texts, the identification of 'us-and-them discourse structures, the exploration of interpreters' cognitions, and the examination of crossmodal means by which interpreters render paralanguage, Gao sheds light on the intricate processes that underlie discourse reconstruction.

One of the key findings of this study is the role that interpreters' cognitions play in shaping their interpretation. Interpreters are not passive recipients of information; rather, they actively construct meanings through their cognitive processes. Gao explores the ways in which interpreters' beliefs, values, and worldviews influence their interpretation of the source text, and how these cognitive processes interact with the linguistic and cultural context in which they operate. This analysis provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between interpreters' ideologies, cognitive processes, and the broader socio-political context in which they operate.

Another important aspect of this study is the identification of 'us-and-them discourse structures. Gao argues that interpreters often adopt a polarized stance in their interpretation, positioning themselves as representatives of one group or another. This positioning can have significant implications for the discourse that is produced, as it can reinforce existing power imbalances and hinder the development of more inclusive and equitable communication. Gao's analysis of the ways in which interpreters construct and perpetuate 'us-and-them discourse structures' offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by translators and interpreters in the realm of cross-language/cultural communication.

Furthermore, Gao examines the crossmodal means by which interpreters render paralanguage. Paralanguage refers to the non-verbal cues and expressive elements that accompany spoken language, such as tone of voice, facial expressions, and gestures. Gao argues that interpreters use these crossmodal means to convey their ideological positioning and to shape the discourse that is produced. By analyzing the ways in which interpreters use paralanguage to convey their messages, Gao provides valuable insights into the ways in which ideology and linguistic re-engineering can influence the interpretation of spoken language.

In conclusion, Gao's study of conference interpreting at the Summer Davos Forum in China offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the ways in which ideology and linguistic re-engineering can lead to discourse reconstruction. Through a rigorous methodological synthesis, Gao explores a range of elements surrounding interpreters' ideological positioning, including the appraisal patterns of source and target texts, the identification of 'us-and-them discourse structures, the exploration of interpreters' cognitions, and the examination of crossmodal means by which interpreters render paralanguage. This study is an invaluable resource for scholars in the fields of translation and interpretation, particularly those with an interest in political discourse or the international relations context. It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that underlie discourse reconstruction and offers practical strategies for translators and interpreters to navigate the challenges posed by ideological positioning in cross-language/cultural events.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032569079