User expectations of interpreters : a qualitative study of three user groups in Thailand ; patent litigation, public health, and cultural heritage

Abstract

This research is an explorative study into the user expectations of interpreters in the domains of Patent Litigation, Public Health, and Cultural Heritage in Thailand. The study attempts to determine the importance of the accurate interpretation of terms in these highly-specialized fields with specific technical (in the case of court and medical interpreting) and cultural terminology. The researcher also attempts to identify user preferences for extra-linguistic features in interpreters. Results show that participants rated the delivery of the key message as higher priority than the translation of terminology. In some instances, the user preference was for terminology to be retained in its original form either through transliteration. Users also report that the extra-linguistic qualities of the interpreter can impact audience perception of the interpretation, although the level of significance varies by user background and requires further research.