Extract

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Rachele Antonini

Non-professional media interpreting of radio interviews

1. Introduction

The world we live in has become a smaller place. Thanks to the fast-paced and all-encompassing spread of new digital media and technologies, time and space barriers have been obliterated and we now have 24/7 access to a huge variety of audiovisual programmes broadcasted on a wide choice of media (e.g. computer, mobile devices, radio, television, the Internet). As a consequence, we have become accustomed to receiving “a plethora of information and images directly into our homes from every corner of the world and at any time of the day” (Antonini 2010: 53) and in a variety of languages. Radio and television have played a fundamental role in triggering and channelling this epochal change by offering an ever growing number of programmes and thus generating a sizeable demand for the translation and localization of these products for target audiences.

Based on the analysis of two interviews aired by two Italian national commercial radios, the present study will provide a description of a specific type of non-professional interpreting that is quite common on Italian national mainstream commercial radio stations, namely the interpreting of radio interviews performed by bilingual DJs.

2. Professional and non-professional translation of live programmes in Italy

Increased interconnectedness and faster-paced lifestyles have been particularly significant in broadcasting, given the need to make audiences partake in the 24/7 live coverage of spectacular and dramatic...