On the 11th of March, from 13:15 to 18:15, the ReTrans multiplier event “Interpreting Studies meets Game Studies” took place. Hosted by the Centre for Translation Studies (University of Vienna) in collaboration with the Center for Applied Game Studies (University for Continuing Education Krems), the event aimed to bridge the realms of interpreting and gaming, offering a new perspective on both fields.
Purpose of the Multiplier Event
In an era dominated by increased migration flows, the necessity for professional interpreting services is evident. The event sought to address this pressing need by presenting project findings and engaging in dialogue with interested parties, within the framework of the project “Working with Interpreters in Refugee Transit Zones: Capacity building and awareness-raising for higher education contexts (ReTrans).”
Diverse Perspectives, Stimulating Thoughts
Three distinguished speakers – Brigitta Busch, Julia Dahlvik, and Florian Hasel – delivered thought-provoking presentations from different academic perspectives. Their insights, peppered with anecdotes like interpreters answering personal phone calls during asylum hearings or adding references to Arnold Schwarzenegger in legal settings, stimulated discussions on professionalism and the intricacies of interpreting.
Workshop and Idea Generation
Following the presentations, Natalie Denk and Simon Wimmer from the Center for Applied Game Studies introduced the ReTrans interactive stories, developed based on real-life experiences and interview materials. The interactive storeis were met with enthusiasm and provided an opportunity to explore complex interpreting scenarios. During the brainstorming session, attendees then had the chance to develop their own stories. From a female Muslim refugee’s reluctance to speak to a male interpreter to interpreting during a volcanic eruption, the scenarios showcased the attendees’ creativity.
Reflecting on the Journey
As the multiplier event drew to a close, participants engaged in a reflective discussion on the decision-making processes involved in crafting their stories. It was emphasized that while the stories may not exhaustively explore all possibilities, they serve as catalysts for critical thinking and engagement with the complexities of dialogue interpreting. Furthermore, the workshop showed that crafting the stories encourages the participants to engage intensively with the respective topics.
Participants in the trilateral project “Competence – Resilience – Efficiency” on community interpreting for Ukrainian refugees, led by Michaela Kuklová and funded by the Austrian-Czech Republic and Austria-Slovakia programmes, also took part in the workshop. For Czech students at the Centre for Translation Studies, University of Vienna as well as students from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, this was the start of two further intensive working days.“
The Journey continues…
The “Interpreting Studies meets Game Studies” multiplier event proved to be a successful get-together, bringing together professionals, students, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. By merging the worlds of interpreting and gaming, it opened up new avenues for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation. As we reflect on the event, it’s evident that the journey of exploration in this intersection is far from over – it’s just getting started.
Author: Jessica Tajs