INVESTIGATING AUDIOVISUAL MEDIA INTERPRETING PRACTICE IN CAMEROON

The study investigates media interpreting practice in Cameroon from 1989-2022, with prime focus on the audiovisual component. This investigation was triggered by repeated misinterpreted mediatic messages broadcast over the audiovisual media to the detriment of listeners and viewers. The study set four objectives: identify and describe the various types of media interpreting in Cameroon; profile Cameroon media interpreters; describe and explain their working conditions; identify and describe the challenges faced by media interpreters ; and propose possible solutions to overcome them. To achieve these objectives, three data collection methods were used: documentary-sourced, questionnaire-sourced and audio- and video-sourced interpreted mediatic messages on radio and television programmes. Garnered quantitative and qualitative data analysed spawned the findings hereafter: nothing has been written on audiovisual media interpreting practice in Cameroon, media interpreting practitioners are untrained and have poor working conditions. The main possible solutions: professional training crucial, refresher or crash courses for media interpreters, or mentorship by professional interpreters.