Over-The-Phone Commuity Interpreting: A Corpus-Based Analysis of Interpreted Interactions in Community Settings

Przemyslaw Boczarski

doi:10.18778/1731-7533.23.24

Authors

Przemyslaw Boczarski Lodz University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/1731-7533.23.24

Keywords:

OPI, telephonic interpreting, remote interpreting, public service interpreting, community interpreting, corpus analysis, Polish-English interpreting

Abstract

This paper examines the under-researched field of Polish–English telephone interpreting, with particular focus on the interactional environment and methods of connection. It first outlines the emergence of telephone interpreting, considers its advantages and disadvantages, and then presents a summary of findings from a corpus study conducted in 2024, in which 250 Polish–English interpreting interactions were recorded and analysed with reference to the method of connection between parties and the sectoral distribution of topics or issues discussed in those interactions. As OPI is conducted exclusively through the auditory channel, interpreters are deprived of visual cues; consequently, each method of connection presents both benefits and drawbacks, with the three-way conference call emerging as the most effective format for telephonic interactions between Polish speakers who decide to use the services of Polish-English OPI interpreters.

Author Biography

Przemyslaw Boczarski, Lodz University of Technology

Przemyslaw Boczarski is an academic lecturer (Lodz University of Technology), sworn translator, and OPI interpreter with over 10 years of experience in medical and community interpreting in both the Caribbean and Poland. His interests lie in juxtaposing the reality of day-to-day practice with the theoretical framework, particularly concerning the stereotype of impartiality in interpreters and translators.

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