The Place of the Interpreter and interpreting in an Institutional Setting

Abstract

Conference interpreting remains a relevant part of the global institutional framework the foundations of which were laid down in the post-War period. However, the context in which it takes place has changed in many ways, as have the practical organization of meetings and the place of the interpreter. The generalization of simultaneous interpreting marked the beginning of new trends towards a spatial displacement of interpreters from the physical core of the meeting, as well as a compression of meeting content. These changes have intensified and accelerated with remote participation. They are analyzed from the perspective of the OECD, a Paris-based multilateral organization. Change is exerting greater pressure on interpreters. To maintain their relevance, they will need to draw on the new communication resources and on information technology.