Preface The idea for this introductory textbook was inspired by Franz Pöch hacker (2004, 2016) and his text Introducing Interpreting Studies, which is a must read for any student of Interpreting Studies (IS). In his book, Pöchhacker articulates a remarkable and comprehensive overview of the field, both academic and applied. In this textbook we focus on six disciplines that have informed approaches to the study of interpreting, with special attention given to sign language interpret ing. This textbook is intended for undergraduate or first-year graduate students in Interpreter Education Programs (IEPs), Deaf Studies, and American Sign Language programs (or equivalent programs across the globe). As with any new field of study, there is a great demand for textbooks. While there are a number of good professional handbooks, no academic introductory textbook exists about the theoretical foun dations and research studies in IS. We hope that this textbook begins to fill that gap. Sign language IEPs have been operating, at 2-year colleges, in the United States (US) since the 1970s, and 4-year postsecondary programs in both the United States and Europe have been common since the 1990s. In bachelor degree programs, students often have an introductory textbook that introduces them to the academic study of a particular field, such as psychology, sociology, or lin guistics. Conversely, in interpreter education programs, students must rely on professional handbooks that define and describe the practice of their profession. What those handbooks do not pro vide is an introduction to the theoretical frameworks that consider interpreting as an object of research and study within academia. This book will expose students to a variety of disciplines that im pose theoretical frameworks and methodologies for the academic study of interpreting, including how interpreted events occur, how interpreted products are created, and how interpreters themselves determine choices. viii Preface Historical contexts, major theorists, and research that informs Sign Language Interpreting Studies (SLIS) will form the basis of our discussions. For example, in sociology Erving Goffman’s interac tionist analysis provides a framework for understanding how people make meaning from their engagements with other people. This book will explain Goffman’s work and further discuss his contribution to sociology, provide empirical examples, and demonstrate the applica tion of his work to SLIS. As there has been an explosion of empirically driven studies in IS and SLIS, particularly in the last decade, research from each discipline will be included to ensure this textbook covers both the breadth and scope of the field. We recognize that this textbook will seem primarily focused on US studies of interpreting. We have made efforts, whenever possible, to include international studies of sign languages, Deaf communities, and sign language interpreting. One of our primary goals is to ensure students, regardless of location (e.g., geography, identity, education, etc.) are exposed to the wider world of IS in both spoken and signed languages. Furthermore, we recognize that some of the information in this book will seem dense and complicated at times. This is, in part, be cause students of interpreting have traditionally focused on learning the language and culture of Deaf people. This book represents a de parture from this mentality. We encourage readers to approach this book with the same persistence and enthusiasm they did when learn ing their second language. If it feels challenging, read it again. Use the material that challenges you as a starting point for discussions with peers, colleagues, and professors. We hope students will enjoy learning about these disciplines and that this book may inspire them to seek further education to become the next generation of IS scholars.
