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Research Note: The silenced assistant. Reflections of invisible interpreters and research assistants

Research Note: The silenced assistant. Reflections of invisible interpreters and research assistants Given the increased attention in anthropology and human geography to the positionality and reflexivity of researchers completing fieldwork in foreign countries, it is surprising that we still know relatively little about how research assistants and interpreters are positioned in the field and their own concerns, constraints and coping mechanisms. This article, based on in‐depth interviews with local interpreters/research assistants in Vietnam and China, working alongside Western doctoral students researching upland ethnic minority populations, provides space for the assistants' voices. While reflecting upon their own time in the field, we see how the positionalities of these individuals can have rather unexpected consequences. Furthermore, the assistants' analyses of particular events, as well as their take on the best way to proceed in specific circumstances can be at odds with that of their employers, and negotiated coping strategies have to be found. The article concludes with advice from these assistants regarding how future assistants can make the best of their position, and what foreign researchers need to consider in fostering constructive working relationships. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Asia Pacific Viewpoint Wiley

Research Note: The silenced assistant. Reflections of invisible interpreters and research assistants

Turner, Sarah
Asia Pacific Viewpoint , Volume 51 (2) – Aug 1, 2010
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14 pages

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References (54)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
© 2010 The Author. Journal compilation © 2010 Victoria University of Wellington
ISSN
1360-7456
eISSN
1467-8373
DOI
10.1111/j.1467-8373.2010.01425.x
Publisher site
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Abstract

Given the increased attention in anthropology and human geography to the positionality and reflexivity of researchers completing fieldwork in foreign countries, it is surprising that we still know relatively little about how research assistants and interpreters are positioned in the field and their own concerns, constraints and coping mechanisms. This article, based on in‐depth interviews with local interpreters/research assistants in Vietnam and China, working alongside Western doctoral students researching upland ethnic minority populations, provides space for the assistants' voices. While reflecting upon their own time in the field, we see how the positionalities of these individuals can have rather unexpected consequences. Furthermore, the assistants' analyses of particular events, as well as their take on the best way to proceed in specific circumstances can be at odds with that of their employers, and negotiated coping strategies have to be found. The article concludes with advice from these assistants regarding how future assistants can make the best of their position, and what foreign researchers need to consider in fostering constructive working relationships.

Journal

Asia Pacific Viewpoint – Wiley

Published: Aug 1, 2010

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