臺灣自由口譯員的同事關係

Abstract

自由口譯員須具備良好的語言、溝通能力，且須學習各領域知識。然而因為自由接案的工作性質，除了工作能力之外，自由口譯員也必須面對客戶、講者，更須和同事建立良好的合作關係。自由口譯員和同事之間同為競爭者及合作者，存在利益上的矛盾，彼此之間的互動與競合會影響口譯員的工作及生活品質，進一步影響口譯員提供的服務品質。也因為自由口譯員沒有固定工作場域或是隸屬特定組織，口譯員之間的過去口譯研究多針對口譯員面對不同腔調、語速以及演講內容的策略以及表現，卻鮮少有研究探討口譯員彼此之間的群體關係。台灣自由口譯市場未受特定單位管轄，口譯案件的來源以及形式多樣，口譯員之間的社群和人際關係更顯重要，以台灣市場為根基的自由口譯員社會互動層面是值得探討的議題。 本研究以台灣自由口譯員為研究主體，經立意抽樣透過質性訪談探討不同教育背景及工作經驗的口譯員與其他口譯員的合作與競爭關係，以及工作前後期間口譯同事的互動情形。本研究涵蓋各式訓練背景的口譯員，透過兩階段的半結構式訪談，了解在工作場域口譯員與同事之間的競合關係以及互動模式，也一窺口譯員群體的社交網絡，以及同儕關係如何影響自由口譯員的職涯與生活。台灣自由口譯員的合作模式以準備工作、相互介紹案件為主，競爭手法則較間接，以自我品牌經營等方式呈現，亞洲社會的群體主義為可能的原因之一。研究發現口譯員多與2-4位其他自由口譯員組成非正式團體，透過團體內相互合作提升競爭力。

Freelance interpreting demands language proficiency, communication skills, and domain-specific knowledge. Without a fixed workplace, freelance interpreters often meet new individuals, making relationships with colleagues crucial for social support. However, the impact of collegial relations on interpreters' performance is underexplored, with limited information on how these relationships affect their career development and well-being. This research investigated collegial relations among freelance interpreters in Taiwan using qualitative methods and semi-structured interviews. It examined cooperation and competition, the two major aspects of collegial relations. Findings revealed that while training programs emphasize technical skills, collegial relations were often overlooked. In terms of cooperation, Taiwanese freelance interpreters form close-knit groups with trusted colleagues, fostering cooperation and enhancing career opportunities through mutual referrals and collaboration. However, subtle competition exists through price wars, information withholding, and self-branding. Trust is crucial in balancing cooperation and competition, with interpreters preferring cooperative relations within trusted groups. Collectivistic culture contributed to the construct of such a community, where cooperation is expected and competition is expected to be alleviated. This research highlights the need to incorporate social skills training in interpreter education programs to enhance performance, career development, and workplace experiences.