The reading habits of professional signed and spoken language interpreters

Brenda Nicodemus*, Minhua Liu, Sandra McClure

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Reading is a critical process for conscious learning and enhancing knowledge; however, little is known about reading in interpreters' professional lives. We used an online survey to collect information about the reading habits of signed language interpreters (n=1, 382) and spoken language interpreters (n=601) to examine overall patterns, as well as variations, between the groups. The interpreters responded to questions regarding (a) engagement with reading types, (b) hours spent reading, (c) motivations for reading, (d) factors that reduce engagement in reading, (e) reading in which interpreters should engage, (f) relevance of reading to professional practice, and (g) priority of research topics for reading. Similarities were found between the groups, with divergence in three areas - reading preparation materials, reading research studies, and the types of research studies the participants wish to read. The results provide insights into professional interpreters' engagement with reading and its application to their professional practice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)287-312
Number of pages26
JournalTranslation and Interpreting Studies
Volume17
Issue number2
Early online date23 Sept 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2022

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Language and Linguistics
  • Linguistics and Language
  • Literature and Literary Theory

User-Defined Keywords

  • interpreters
  • professionals
  • reading habits
  • signed language
  • spoken language

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