Norms of interpreters’ awareness in communication conflicts

―Focusing on Japanese companies in China

Abstract

This paper discusses norms of interpreters’ awareness working for Japanese companies in China, focusing specifically on their responses to communication conflicts. Based on a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews, the study analyzes the interpreters’ behaviors when communication conflicts occur, by applying Chesterman’s (1997) theory. The survey and interviews results reveal that interpreters make efforts to avoid conflicts and make the communication smooth under the influence of “the communication norm” (strongly) and “the accountability norm”. Meanwhile, “the relation norm” has less effect. The study suggests that interpreters’ action is partly governed by norms, though their identity as an interpreter as well as an employee of a company, also influence their interpreting behaviors.