War through the Ears of Interpreters

This study explores life writing by wartime interpreters, focusing on both written self-life narration and first-person documentary films. It underscores the significance of personal narratives in understanding historical contexts and societal norms, particularly the impact of war. The study explores the role of interpreters, highlighting their dual position as participants and witnesses in conflicts and how their cultural and linguistic fluency shapes their wartime experiences. By examining interpreters' memories from various conflicts, the study illustrates how these narratives contribute to the historical understanding of interpreting activities and ethical dilemmas. This will be done by using several case studies, including the novel The Girl from Bondsteel (2011) by Tanja Jankovic and the short film In Flow of Words (2021) directed by Eliane Esther Bots. The analysis also addresses the contested issues of memory and subjectivity, emphasizing the importance of these genres in capturing the complexities of memory and historical representation. Overall, the presentation advocates for a more inclusive approach to wartime narratives, recognizing the critical role of interpreters’ personal accounts in understanding their role and positionality.