US-based legal interpreters and their use of academic research: expectations, practices, and potential for collaboration between academia and the profession

Abstract

This article examines the use of and opinions about academic research by US-based legal interpreters. It analyses the responses of 233 practising interpreters to an online survey. The survey explored: (1) tools and practices employed for problem solving and skill building; (2) access to and use of academic research; (3) factors affecting use of research; (4) goals and expectations regarding academic research; and (5) the potential role of different stakeholders (interpreters, researchers, educators, and professional associations) in conducting and disseminating research. Results reveal interpreters’ limited awareness of the concept of academic research and the current state of the art in legal interpreting. Respondents cite a neglect of professional needs in existing studies and inaccessible formats as major reasons for their lack of engagement. However, they recognize academic research as a valuable tool for enhancing practice and educating legal actors about interpreting. They express interest in furthering their knowledge of interpreting techniques, language and communication issues (particularly legal discourse), the physiological and psychological effects of interpreting, and work-related matters. They suggest closer collaboration between researchers and practitioners in conceptualising and developing empirical studies, and in disseminating findings beyond traditional academic formats.