Resumen de Interpreting and translation in a Japanese social and historical context

Kumiko Torikai

• The paper will review interpreting and translation within the socio-historical context of Japan, and their relevance to language education, one of the crucial elements in a globalized world. First, Nagasaki interpreters in Edo period will be studied to illustrate their multifaceted role as language specialists, followed by an examination of the phenomenon called translationism and its influence on the modernization process during Meiji period. Then, the discussion proceeds to the role played by simultaneous interpreters after WWII, and growing awareness in the country for the importance of English as a global language, resulting in the increased interest in interpreter training as part of communicative language teaching in Japanese tertiary education. In conclusion, the paper addresses the significance of translation and interpreting studies, in terms of society at large.