Specialisation in interpreting and translation : some considerations from a "Liaison interpreting" perspective

incl. ref.

This topic may seem a rather strange topic to introduce into the context of this congress, however, I believe that the issue deserves an airing, if for no other reason that its discussion raises issues of professionalism, competence and training; issues which are central to this congress. Before tackling the question of outlining what is meant by specialization, I would like to indícate the reason that I have chosen to talk about his topic from a "liaison interpreting perspective". I believe that this perspective, as one of the most recent perspectives in the work of an interpreter which have been developed, pro vides some useful insights into the reasons and the process of Specialisation. I would like to proceed by firstly outlining what I mean by specialization or better still what I believe is meant by specialization when interpreters and translators talk about it, then to give a brief account of the kinds of labels which have been used in the profession to deal with this phenomenon. I will then discuss it in relation to perceived competence, political and social imperatives and finally in relation to professional concerns.