The ethnography of interpreter-mediated communication: Methodological challenges in fieldwork

This chapter presents the challenges (and possible solutions) experienced in fieldwork when collecting data from conference interpreting and sign language community interpreting. Despite the inherent differences between the two scenarios under consideration, the ethnographic approach raises similar questions, especially with reference to the position of the researcher and their role as observers and/or participants. In particular, the role of the practisearcher (Gile 1994) is discussed, highlighting advantages and limitations of direct involvement as evidenced in this and other studies from different disciplines. Drawing on anthropology, ethnography and sociology, the discussion highlights the moves in position from observation to participation, and from participation to observation, that can be appreciated in these disciplines and in interpreting research respectively.