Implications of translational shifts in interpreter-mediated texts

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the nature and extent of translational shifts in interpreter-mediated texts. 10 professional interpreters with 11-30 years experience participated in the study. A corpus of 10 source texts (full-length speeches) and 10 target texts (interpreter-mediated versions) recorded during international conferences is analyzed. Shifts in the following linguistic phenomena are assessed: Personal reference, agency, mood and modality, threats to face. Our findings reveal a significant trend of distancing, de-personalization and the mitigation of illocutionary force.