Abstract

In this dissertation, I examine the phenomenon of bilingual interpretation. I conduct my examination from a phenomenological perspective, i.e., I investigate bilingual interpretation as a communication phenomenon which is given to experience. A need for a phenomenological study arises from a general lack of theoretical research on bilingual interpretation. My investigation of the current translation paradigm demonstrates that an emphasis on written media, together with the use of linguistics-based translation methodologies, marginalizes bilingual interpretation as a uniquely constituted phenomenon. I study bilingual interpretation through a non-linguistic method that comprises generative phenomenology, conversation analysis, and hermeneutics. I subject a recorded and transcribed interpretation event to a phenomenological communication analysis. My findings allow me to redefine bilingual interpretation as translation-in-interaction; identify it as a type of interaction founded on the translator's turn; demonstrate the effects of the translator's turn on an instance of bilingual communication; introduce a new ethics intrinsic to the phenomenon of translation-in-interaction. I end by suggesting venues for future research