A legislative theatre study of simultaneous interpretation in legal proceedings

Abstract

This paper explores simultaneous interpretation in legal proceedings. Using the legislative theatre techniques of Augusto Boal within the specific circumstances of Welsh and English in courts in Wales, the study explores a mock jury’s response to experiences of hearing proceedings via simultaneous interpretation. The study explores the impact of the interpreter’s presence on the process and considers the extent to which bilingual participants in the legal process are aware of non-bilinguals’ different experiences, and the extent to which those who listen to the proceedings via an interpreter may conflate the identity of the party/witness with that of the interpreter. It concludes with a number of recommendations in order to make monolinguals and bilinguals aware of the effects of interpretation and of the interpreter’s impact on communication.