Abstract
This article explores the scope of the interpreter’s role as perceived by interpreters and other
participants in interpreter-mediated communication. Traditionally, viewed as “a mere machine or conduit”, interpreters have been expected to translate word for word. However, new studies are revealing that in practice, some translators are trying to narrow cultural and linguistic gaps between monolingual speakers to facilitate smoother communication.
Factors defining the roles of interpreters vary greatly, depending on the field, occasion and mode of interpretation in which they are set to work. In this study, interview data were analyzed by means of the ALSCAL (Alternating Lease Squares Multidimensional Scaling) method, and the results suggest there are six styles and two functions in the roles of interpreters. These results will help interpreters have more flexible views on their roles and shift their roles more flexibly according to the setting.
