LE MARCHÉ DE L’INTERPRÉTATION COMMUNAUTAIRE FACE AUX ENJEUX SOCIO-POLITIQUES DU MALI
Abstract
This study investigates the community interpreting market in Mali, focusing on the interplay between the market, socio-political dynamics, and interpreters' experiences. The primary research problem is the poorly structured and underpaid nature of this sector, despite its potential within Mali's complex socio-economic and linguistic landscape. The research seeks to identify the socio-political challenges facing the interpreting market in Mali, the coping strategies interpreters use to navigate these challenges and leverage available opportunities, and the effectiveness of these strategies. The study hypothesises that socio-political issues in interpreting are rooted in national integration, linguistic diversity, security concerns, language recognition, professional training, employment conditions, corruption, and access to justice. It also suggests that interpreters are leveraging continuing education to optimise economic opportunities and effectively manoeuvre through a challenging landscape. Their initiatives—such as specialized training, participation in professional associations, and awareness-raising campaigns—enhance their understanding and influence on socio-political issues. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, using questionnaires administered to various stakeholders in the interpreting market and semi-structured interviews with interpreters of relevant institutions. Findings indicate that the Malian community interpreting market is beset by challenges including inadequate professional training, limited recognition of interpreters’ roles, and security threats. Interpreters frequently operate independently, relying on personal networks and informal channels, thereby contributing to a fragmented market characterized by inconsistent rates. The study underscores the impact of socio-political events, like coups d'état and security crises, on the demand for interpreters and the languages used. It highlights interpreters' strategies to navigate these challenges, including continuous professional development through practice, reading, and training. This research contributes to the field by providing empirical data on community interpreting in Mali. It examines the ramifications of socio-political dynamics, investigates interpreters' adaptive strategies, underscores the importance of training and professionalization, offers perspectives on interpreter-client relationships, and addresses ethical considerations within conflict-affected contexts.
Downloads
References
Bastin, G. L. (2003). The nature of interpreting: A survey of the field. Translation & Interpreting Studies, 3(1), 1-18
Bourdieu, P. (1991). Language and symbolic power. Harvard University Press.
Carroll, A. B. (1991). The pyramid of corporate social responsibility: Toward the moral management of organizational stakeholders. Business Horizons, 34(4), 39–48.
Doughophe, R. (2021). The challenges of interpreting in conflict zones: A study of peacebuilding and interpreter roles. International Journal of Conflict and Resolution, 17(5), 245-260.
Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman Publishing.
Friedman, A. L., & Miles, S. (2006). Stakeholders: Theory and practice. Oxford University Press.
Giddens, A. (1984). The constitution of society: Outline of the theory of structuration. PolityPress.
Gile, D. (2006). Interpreting as a cognitive process. In R. L. Kaminski & L. B. Hervey (Eds.), The interpreter’s skills (pp. 83-99). John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Habermas, J. (1981). The theory of communicative action: Volume 1: Reason and the rationalization of society. Beacon Press.
Jolibois, D. (2013). The structure of interpreter markets in fragile states: A comparative perspective. Journal of International Development, 25(7), 98-110.
Justine, L., et al. (2021). Interpreter challenges in community settings: A study on training, recognition, and adaptation. Journal of Community Interpreting, 22(4), 214-231.
Kelly, D. (2010). The market for interpreting services: Key trends and challenges. In M. T. Diaz (Ed.), Interpreting and translation: A contemporary perspective (pp. 110-125). John Benjamins Publishing Company.
Kelly, N., & Baker, M. (2013). Translation and interpretation in a professional context: The challenges of neutral mediation. Translation and Interpreting Studies, 8(1), 45-62.
Lambin, J. J. (2013). Le marketing stratégique: Une approche centrée sur la dynamique du marché. Pearson Education.
Lord, G. (1999). Interpreting versus translation: A comparative study. Journal of Translation, 21(4), 35-45.
Merunka, D. (1993). Le marketing et la gestion des marchés. Editions d'Organisation.
Mikkelson, H. (1992). The interpreter’s role in communication. In D. L. Pöchhacker& M. Shlesinger (Eds.), The interpreting studies reader (pp. 121–133). Routledge.
Mikkelson, H. (2017). Interpreting in real-time: A study of its challenges and techniques. Translation & Interpreting Studies, 8(2), 112-125.
Oloo, M. (2015). Professionalization of interpreters in Africa: A critical analysis of the challenges and opportunities in interpreter markets. African Studies Review, 58(1), 1-17.
Phelan, M. (2001). The art of interpreting: A comprehensive introduction. Interpreter Education Journal, 15(3), 67-80.
Pöchhacker, F. (1999). The interpreter's role in public service interpreting. The Translator, 5(2), 103-118
Pointurier, L. (2016). Community interpreting and its role in multicultural societies. International Journal of Community Translation, 6(1), 45-58.
Rosendo, S., & Persaud, B. (2016). The role of interpreters in conflict zones: A critical examination of ethics and neutrality. Conflict and Mediation Studies, 40(3), 101-117.
Rudvin, M., & Tomassini, G. (2011). Interpreter education and training: A look at the role of professionalization in interpreter training. Translator and Interpreter Education, 35(2), 123-139.
Saint, P. (2015). Conference interpreting and the art of accuracy: A practitioner’s guide. International Association of Conference Interpreters.
Smith, A. (1976). An inquiry into the nature and causes of the wealth of nations. The University of Chicago Press.
Stern, L. (2013). Market structure and competitive behavior: An analysis of market dynamics. Business Economics Review, 28(2), 122-139.
Tesseur, A., &Footitt, H. (2019). Interpreting in times of conflict: Challenges and opportunities in the field. International Journal of Peace and Conflict, 13(2), 67-83.
Tseng, W. T. (1992). Interpreter professionalization: A four-step model. In P. A. K. Hu & L. H. M. Mar (Eds.), Interpreting in business and conference settings (pp. 24-45). University Press.
Wadensjö, C. (2001). Interpreting as interaction: Context and analysis of community-based interpreting. Multilingual Matters.
Whelam, J., &Msefer, R. (1996). Understanding the economics of the interpretation market: An overview of supply and demand models. Economic Analysis & Policy, 26(2), 153–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0313-5926(96)50016-0
Some, F. (2024). Interpreter markets in fragile contexts: A study of professionalization in the Mali context. Journal of LinguisticStudies, 32(1), 59-75.
Author(s) and co-author(s) jointly and severally represent and warrant that the Article is original with the author(s) and does not infringe any copyright or violate any other right of any third parties, and that the Article has not been published elsewhere. Author(s) agree to the terms that the Global Publication House will have the full right to remove the published article on any misconduct found in the published article.
