Diplomatic Ambiguity in Interpreter-Mediated Communication

When we observe the interpreters in their booths battling with ambiguity in order to find the accurate meaning of an ambiguous utterance we inevitably come to the realization of the daunting impact of ambiguities on the latter. Ambiguity in general and diplomatic ambiguity in particular is a thorn in interpreters’ sides. Then the main question is “what strategies can the interpreter use to cope successfully with diplomatic ambiguity?” How do interpreters manage to find ways of resolving instances of ambiguity when interpreting in a diplomatic setting that requires immediate disambiguation. This mini-dissertation investigates the theme of diplomatic ambiguity in interpreter-mediated communication and comes up with responses to these concerns and queries. It (this mini-dissertation) primarily focuses on interpreting as an act of communication. In view of the above this minidissertation has a practical purpose: to provide the interpreter with a clear sense of problem-solving techniques for the resolution of ambiguity. In this respect coping tactics and strategies will be proposed as a means of clarifying ambiguities elucidating obscure passages.