ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF SERBIAN-LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH OTHER, CLOSELY-RELATED LANGUAGES

Abstract

This paper focuses on the practices of Serbian-language interpreters and translators who work mostly outside Serbia. This paper firstly describes attributes pertaining to interpreting and translation in mainly Anglophone countries, as well as the norms that interpreters and translators typically follow for professional and ethical reasons. Of particular interest is the status of Serbian in the provision of interpreting/translation services in overseas countries and how Serbian-language interpreters and translators position themselves vis-a-vis the interpreting/translation sector, now that this language is widely-accepted as a distinct language.

Twenty-six informants were questioned of whom 13 held interpreter or translator accreditation for Serbian only, while 13 held accreditation for Serbian in addition to Croatian and/or Bosnian. Research results show that there are differences between the two groups in regard to readiness to consider interpreting or translation assignments with outdated or unofficial language designations. Almost all informants followed common norms in relation to checking the languge of interlocutors’ speech or that of a text as well as accepting assignments in a language for which they do not have accreditation. Interpreters and translators for the Serbian language represent an interesting sample group as they are well-versed in both specialist as well as lay attitudes towards the Serbian language.