Title
Rooted in Reflection: Developing My Professional Identity During My First Year as an Interpreter
Abstract
This study focuses on my journey of professional identity development starting out in the field. Over the course of my first year of practice, I collected reflective data about my teamed interpreting experiences, and reflected about my process through regular meetings with a seasoned interpreter functioning as a coach, supervision sessions with colleagues and mentors, and written assignments focused on personal reflection and developing a strong sense of professional identity. The analysis focuses on the evolution of my professional identity and my ability to establish and navigate boundaries in interpersonal relationships with team interpreters. This study is intended to be an asset to new interpreters seeking to establish their professional identities as they begin working in the field of interpretation. Ultimately, in this study, I found that strong relationships exist between a new interpreter’s decision-making self-efficacy in interpreting scenarios and the perceived openness of a team interpreter; I also found that intentional engagement in reflective practices is positively correlated with an increased sense of confidence and a stronger sense of professional identity.
Exit Requirement
Action Research
Date of Award
12-11-2020
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies
Committee Chair
Elisa Maroney
Committee Member
Erin Trine
Keywords
interpreting, self-efficacy, openness, reflective practice, professional identity
Language
eng
Type (DCMI Terms)
Text
Recommended Citation
Williams, R. R. (2020). Rooted in Reflection: Developing My Professional Identity During My First Year as an Interpreter (master's thesis). Western Oregon University, Monmouth, Oregon. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.wou.edu/theses/140
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