InContext - Volume 4, Issue 1, 2024

This article examines the current situation of the interpretation industry in Japan. To aid the post-war reconstruction efforts, the Japan Productivity Center organized missions to the US. The interpreters needed for the missions were trained at the US Department of State. Upon their return to Japan, many of these interpreters became professional conference interpreters. Agencies were then set up to provide interpreters for the rapidly growing demand from the government and business. The interpreting agencies played a crucial role in establishing interpreting as a profession. Around this time, the business of conference interpreting also emerged with English as the main language. During the economic boom, interpreters had increasing opportunities to play an active role in the economy as demand from the private sector increased. As foreign companies began to expand into Japan, the number of in-house interpreters increased. Today, interpreters are employed in the government, private, academic, and media sectors, with approximately 80% of the interpretation being English-Japanese. According to the available statistics, the industry as a whole is dominated by small proprietorships that appear to be operated by individual interpreters. In addition to the large comprehensive agencies, a number of niche agencies have appeared in recent years that provide interpreting services for specific industry sectors. Regarding the career path of an interpreter, it is common for English interpreters to attend training institutions run by interpreting agencies and then become freelance interpreters. When training began in the mid-1970s, the courses were mainly attended by female university students. However, increasing numbers of men are now participating in the industry, many of whom are older and have experience in other professions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for interpreters dropped significantly. Although this was only temporary, the pandemic hastened the shift towards online interpreting using IT. Today, interpreters have further opportunities to utilize machine translation tools. Making active use of the technologies available, the interpretation industry in Japan is becoming more diverse and fulfilling its roles in a more diversified setting.

In the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming human lives at an unprecedented rate. As this new era begins and technological advancements continue to accelerate, there appears to be a parallel need for corresponding changes and reforms in the field of translation and interpretation education. Indeed, many interpreters and translators now incorporate automated translation tools in their work, and a significant number of researchers are advocating for the application of AI platforms in translation and interpretation education, proposing innovative teaching methods. Among these innovations, various platforms developed specifically for interpreter training can be categorized into training-based platforms, data storage-based platforms, and interpreter material storage-based platforms. This paper delves into the impact of such platforms on translation and interpretation education, with a particular focus on the neighboring country of China, which extensively utilizes Learning Management System (LMS)-based smart cloud platforms, AI platforms, and voice recognition applications in this educational field. Firstly, the analysis of classroom systems based on LMS, such as the iSmart smart educational cloud platform, the SHIYIBAO smart translation and interpretation education platform, and Oia developed in collaboration with Shanghai International Studies University, reveals their usage patterns. Secondly, experiments with applications capable of voice recognition, such as iFLYTEK, are examined. Th dly, the impact of on- screen subtitles displayed on computer monitors on interpreters is considered. These case studies demonstrate that AI platforms can enhance the quality of translation and interpretation, and also significantly alleviate the fear and burden associated with interpreting practice for students. This positive effect, noted during their interpreting exercises, confirms that platform systems incorporating voice recognition and other AI technologies positively influence interpreter education and the quality of interpretation. Additionally, these findings highlight the pressing need for South Korea to actively adopt such platforms in its translation and interpretation education moving forward.

Translation shift which can be categorized as either “obligatory” or “optional” have been studied extensively in translation studies. When such shift occur at the macro-level, that is above the sentence level, a translation can then be said to have transitioned into what Stetting (1989, p. 374) described as “transediting”. Where transediting in journalism has received a considerable amount of attention in translation studies, examples of transedited literature are comparatively rare, and research on such transedited works is proportionate. This article analyzes the translation of the award-winning Uzbek novel The Eternal Wanderer as a notable example of a transedited work. Written by Isajon Sulton, a prolific Uzbek novelist, and translated by Christopher Fort, The Eternal Wanderer represents a notable example of a transedited work that is the product of a collaborative effort between author and translator. The novel is rich in its references to Islam as well as the native language, history, and culture of Uzbekistan, none of which are readily accessible for a Western audience that is not familiar with these things. As such, the translator, in his introduction to the book, notes that he worked with the author to edit as much as five to ten percent of the novel. The product of such a collaborative effort presents a unique opportunity for textual analysis in order to gain insights into literary transediting. A paratextual and qualitative content analysis was conducted to determine the types and levels of optional shift present in the translation in order to determine the extent of transediting and the motivations that underpinned each instance of transediting. The findings of the article indicate that at the word/phrase and sentence level, the translator opted to use shifts such as annotations, modifications, additions, and deletions to address disparate cultural and linguistic norms. At the paragraph and chapter level, large segments were deleted as part of the translator’s strategy to adapt the source material and produce a translation that is more accessible for its intended audience.

Anticipation, broadly defined as the act of predicting words or phrases before their verbalization by the speaker, is a pragmatic simultaneous interpretation strategy enabling interpreters to minimize the temporal gap between the source and target languages, expedite the retrieval of equivalent words or phrases, and mentally prepare for the progression of the source discourse or speech. The literature on anticipation as an interpretation strategy explains that interpreters harness both linguistic and extralinguistic resources to engage in anticipation during simultaneous interpretation (SI). Linguistic resources include idioms, set phrases, lexical transition probabilities, and common sentence structures, whereas extralinguistic resources include the contextual information about the source text and the interpreter’s background knowledge about the topic, setting, and speaker. Anticipation is particularly crucial to use during simultaneous interpretation from Korean into English. The structural difference between Korean, characterized as a subject-object- verb (SOV) language, and English, a subject-verb-object (SVO) language, necessitates interpreters’ adept anticipation, particularly anticipation of predicates that typically conclude Korean sentences. Predicates in Korean sentences, besides indicating tense, also convey semantic content in the form of verbs or adjectives. Thus, anticipating predicates is often a crucial determinant of the success of SI. However, anticipating predicates is a skill to be obtained and trained that may not be effectively employed by interpreting students. This study examined a set of interpretation outputs from a sample of 22 graduate students to examine their utilization of anticipation during SI from Korean into English. The analysis of their interpretation focused on their attempts to anticipate predicates as well as the accuracy of their predictions. The analysis of the students’ anticipation attempts and anticipation accuracy revealed a discernible but weak correlation between the two variables. Additionally, the analysis discovered a tendency among the students to predict the auxiliary verb only and wait for more input (English) to complement or repair their partial anticipation of a predicate. This study offers insights into the ways in which students employ anticipation and provides avenues for interpreting trainers to design methods to train students’ anticipation skills employed during SI.

This study offers a comparative examination of the mysticism practiced by European spiritual thinkers in the 14th century and Sumatran Sufis in the 16th to 17th centuries, revealing striking inter-cultural similarities in their spiritual quests secluded from the urban tumult. These mystics, though divided by geographic and temporal distances, engaged profoundly with religious metaphysics, passionately expressing their spiritual explorations through sermons, literary compositions, and poetry. Central to their discourse was the relationship between the individual and the divine, with a particular focus on the soul’s crucial role in seeking spiritual fulfillment. The investigation highlights how these mystics from both the East and West tackled similar existential queries and embraced comparable methods of religious contemplation, which reflects a universal quest for understanding the divine essence. Recurring themes include the nature of divine love, the pursuit of spiritual authenticity, and the soul’s transcendental experiences, underscoring a shared narrative across these diverse cultural backdrops. The narrative of Mansûr al-Hallâj, a Persian mystic executed for his beliefs, exemplifies the extreme consequences faced by such profound thinkers, illustrating how deep spiritual commitment could lead to both profound admiration and severe persecution. Moreover, this analysis considers how these mystics were received within their societies—some were hailed as pioneers of thought, while others were condemned and executed as heretics by prevailing religious authorities. This contrast provides deeper insight into the complex dynamics between individual mystics and the broader societal and religious structures that either embraced or rejected their unconventional ideas. By providing a detailed comparative analysis, the study aims to enrich our understanding of mysticism as a bridge linking personal religious experience with the wider theological debates of the times. It contributes to a greater appreciation of the role of mystics in shaping religious thought across different historical and cultural contexts. This enriched narrative not only deepens our historical understanding of mystical traditions but also highlights the enduring dialogue between personal spiritual journeys and established religious doctrines.

This article delves into the influence of transnationalism on Taiwan New Cinema, focusing on the works of female director Chiang Hsiu- Chiung, particularly her Japanese language film, and the femme-centric drama The Furthest End Awaits (2014). It is discussing a film within the context of global art cinema, particularly highlighting its significance in attracting audiences interested in arthouse films. The film seems to be positioned as part of the legacy of the New Wave in Taiwan cinema, suggesting that it shares thematic, stylistic, or historical connections with the innovative and influential filmmaking movement that emerged in Taiwan. Moreover, Chiang’s film explores contemporary kinship within the framework of global art cinema, asserting that Taiwan New Cinema has established itself as a significant presence in the arthouse film festival circuit since the 1980s.

One of the defining characteristics of Taiwan New Cinema is its utilization of long takes, deliberate spatial and depth composition, incorporation of documentary elements depicting everyday life, and the dialectical interplay between sound and visuals. These techniques contribute to the films’ self- reflexivity and liminality, enhancing their artistic and narrative depth. Moreover, the article investigates how Chiang’s films empower women, reflecting the influence of transnational feminism in East Asia. Through a structural analysis, it highlights the reversal of roles between the main characters, Misaki and Eriko, and the establishment of connections with a broader network of women. This portrayal affirms a sense of sisterhood and mutual support, enriching the narrative with engaging interpersonal dynamics. Furthermore, the article explores how the dynamics of space within the films contribute to the representation of sisterhood, intersecting with themes of trauma, memory, and embodiment. By examining these elements, the article offers insights into the complex interplay between transnationalism, feminism, and cinematic representation within Taiwan New Cinema.

The Korean Wave has been present in Taiwan for over 20 years, permeating various sectors including dramas, K-POP, movies, Korean cuisine, video games, fashion, and cosmetics. Its influence is not just limited to Asia; Korean content products are now recognized globally. Previously, the success of Korean content in European and American markets was facilitated by concerted efforts from both the industry and the government. However, in recent years, particularly during the pandemic, the robust involvement of the streaming platform Netflix, exemplified by the global sensation Squid Game, has intensified the world’s fascination with Korea. Netflix serves as an optimal tool for the dissemination of film and media culture. While Netflix ’s support has undoubtedly been beneficial for Korea, it has also raised concerns regarding their investment strategies and the challenges they pose to Korea, such as intellectual property (IP) issues, monopolistic control over broadcasting rights, localization strategies, diversification of production formats, revenue sharing with telecommunication operators, and the survival of domestic over-the-top (OTT) media service platforms. In response, both the industry and government have initiated measures such as government subsidies for OTTs, tax reductions, levies on Netflix’s use of the internet, standardized contracts, and the active cultivation of creative talent. Additionally, industry efforts include mergers, fostering alliances to expand capital, and ensuring the production and circulation of quality content. This paper will comprehensively organize and analyze data from offical Korean sources, academic papers, and field studies conducted by the author, to explore the competitive and cooperative issues between Korean OTT platforms and Netflix and to identify viable responses. The analysis will cover three main aspects: (a) Netflix’s investments in Korea and the challenges they present to the country; (b) the Korean government’s response policies; and (c) the current situation and potential improvements for local Korean OTT platforms.