The Status of Interpreting Professionalisation in Malaysia

Despite its long history, interpreting as a professional career is still lagging in many countries including Malaysia. Interpreting practice in general is still regarded as a low-status, semiprofessional occupation that has yet to develop to a full-fledged profession. Existing research on the professionalisation of interpreting practice in Malaysia is quite limited and outdated. There has been no follow-up research conducted over the past decade. Based on Tseng's interpreting professionalisation model (1992), this study explores the latest development related to the professionalisation of interpreting practice in Malaysia, by focusing on three key elements: (1) education and training institutions, (2) associations/organisations related to interpreting, and (3) political and governmental support. The primary research method used for this study is document review. The findings show that although there are positive developments, interpreting practice in Malaysia still exhibits features of market disorder, due to the absence of a body which regulates market entry and provides a code of ethics. The local interpreting scene may be described as simultaneously being in phases one (disorder), two (education and training) and three (recognition) of Tseng's model of professionalisation. Elements of all three phases partially exist in the local interpreting landscape but have yet to reach maturity. It is hoped that stakeholders in the Malaysian interpreting industry, namely the associations and organisations related to interpreting, education and training providers, and the government, will work hand in hand to continue the efforts of professionalising interpreting practice in Malaysia.