What is Interpretation?
En quoi consiste l’interprétation?
"Interpretation Canada defines interpretation as a communication practice that facilitates meaningful connections between people and the tangible and intangible aspects of our world, by sharing stories and experiences to provoke curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire reflection and action."
– Interpretation Canada, 2026
This definition represents an important milestone in a broader process. Alongside the updated definition, Interpretation Canada is developing guiding principles and values to support interpretation practice across Canada, including concepts such as Indigenous stewardship, inclusion, accessibility, and diverse ways of knowing. We look forward to sharing these with members for feedback in the coming months.
We respectfully honour the interpreters who worked so hard in 1975/1976 to create the original definition. We are proud to continue their legacy and build upon the foundation they established.
Roles in Interpretation
Interpreters may work under many job titles. These include, but are not limited to those listed below.
| Guides & Front-Line Facilitators | Educators & Program Specialists | Designers & Content Creators |
| Adventure and tour guides Docents | Teachers / educators Educational program instructors | Interpretive writers Exhibit designers |
| Researchers, Trainers & Consultants | Communications & Engagement Roles | Students and Emerging Professionals | Leaders |
| Interpretation researchers Curators | Communicators Outreach | Student interpreters Interpreters in training | Managers Supervisors |
The Conversation Continues
This is just the beginning. Interpretation Canada’s Future Forward Working Group is working to build on this shared understanding by developing guiding principles, standards and effective practices that can help strengthen interpretation across Canada. We want this to be a conversation that includes the people who live, practise, teach and support interpretation. Watch this space for opportunities to get involved—and if you’d like to be part of the conversation now, we’d love to hear from you. Contact chair@interpretationcanada.ca to learn more.
« Interprétation Canada définit l’interprétation comme une pratique de communication qui facilite des liens significatifs entre les personnes et les aspects tangibles et intangibles de notre monde, en partageant des histoires et des expériences pour susciter la curiosité, approfondir la compréhension et inspirer la réflexion et l’action. »
– Interprétation Canada, 2026
Cette définition représente une étape importante dans un processus plus large. Parallèlement à cette définition, Interprétation Canada développe des principes et des valeurs pour soutenir la pratique de l’interprétation à travers le Canada, incluant des concepts tels que l’intendance autochtone, l’inclusion, l’accessibilité et la diversité de façons de savoir. Nous avons hâte de les partager avec les membres pour obtenir des commentaires dans les mois à venir.
Nous honorons respectueusement les interprètes qui ont travaillé si fort en 1975/1976 pour créer la définition originale. Nous sommes fiers de poursuivre leur héritage et de bâtir sur la base qu’ils ont établies.