ABSTRACT
The ways in which interpreters define themselves in certain fields is closely tied to many of the definitions of bilingualism. This chapter deals with an overview of the most salient approaches to bilingualism, focusing specifically on the description of the bilingual “self” in translation and interpreting activities. While there are many definitions of bilingualism the authors will focus on some of the most salient approaches in order to arrive at a working definition. An important part of any analysis of bilingualism and interpreting is the ways in which an individual perceives his/her own bilingualism or, more precisely, what the role of the self plays in the very definition of bilingualism. It is also important to note that one of the authors is a United Nations interpreter. Permanent interpreter staff members at the United Nations Organization, as we briefly mentioned above, are selected through an exam referred to as Language Competitive Examination.
