西方口译史研究的历史与现状

Research on the History of Interpreting in the West:A Critical Analysis of Its History and Current Status

本文介绍了西方口译史研究的对象、现状与特征。西方口译史研究经过数十年积累,已形成特定的研究传统和方法,口译研究者关注的对象包括西方古代的口译活动、现当代的会议口译及其他现代形式的口译活动。文章认为,西方口译史研究的主要特征是以译员为中心、注重国别口译史研究及译员对新技术条件、新型口译形式的适应。本文最后指出,我国未来的口译史研究需拓宽研究领域、强调译员中心、引入跨学科视角,进而为当代口译从业者提供值得汲取的历史经验。

This paper reviews the research interests, status quo and characteristics of the research on the history of interpreting in the West. Western scholars have formulated certain approaches and methodologies in their research over the past decades. Their research interests are interpreting activities in ancient times, confer- ence interpreting and other contemporary forms of imerpreting activities. This paper points out that their research has been characterized by an emphasis on the interpreters themselves, the interpreting activities in different countries, as well as the adaptation to new technology and new forms of interpreting on the part of the interpreters. This paper finally puts forward some proposals for Chinese researchers,including expanding research interests,introducing cross-disciplinary perspectives, and focusing on the historical contribution and contemporary relevance of interpreters.