Exploring booth-mates’ teamwork in the time of a pandemic: A case study

Abstract

Co-location is a crucial precondition for simultaneous interpreters' teamwork. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as conference interpreters across the world are forced to embrace distance interpreting due to anti-covid public health measures. This article aims to examine how the disruption to co-location during the pandemic has changed interpreters' teamwork. Drawing on the analytic framework of Pre-process, Peri-process, In-process, and Post-process proposed by Sylvia Kalina (2002), the study explores changing reality in China by combining micro- and macro analysis in a case study involving 136 conference interpreters in the country. Results show that the pandemic has unleashed unprecedented disruption to interpreters' teamwork in spite of their proactive efforts to maintain it. More specifically, a new teamwork pattern featuring major shifts in collaboration themes, division of roles, and fewer benefits is emerging. Findings from the research may shed light on changing realities not only in China, but possibly in the wider world. Practical suggestions and future research needs are also identified.