Public PhD Viva-Voce Examination of Ms Arzaq Jamal Abdullah Al-Ansi

The Public Viva-Voce Examination for the PhD Dissertation hereto entitled Impact of Referential Inscrutability on the Determination of Meanings and Scene Configurations in Conference Interpreting: An Evaluative Study of Some Selected Works through Conference Interpreting submitted by Ms. Arzaq Jamal Abdullah Al-Ansi Department of English Faculty of Languages was held on,  8/ 04 /1446 Hijri corresponding to 10 / 09 /2024. The Viva-Voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Post-Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:

The study aimed to investigate how interpreters handle Referential Inscrutability (RI) and its impact on meaning and scene configuration. It introduces a novel RI Assessment Model (RIAM) to systematically analyze RI and its effects. By examining real-world scenarios and using qualitative and descriptive discourse analysis, the study explores interpreter strategies for overcoming RI and ensuring clear communication.

The study concluded with a number of findings, including the importance of Scene Configuration (SC) for coherent interpretation but also acknowledge challenges in mastering this skill. The study contributes to interpreting theories by providing a methodological framework for assessing interpretation quality through SC analysis and strategies.

The researcher made several recommendations, including:

• “Interpreter training programs should incorporate modules specifically designed to address referential inscrutability.”
• “Investigating cultural nuances can provide valuable insights into the sources and impacts of referential inscrutability.”
• “Ethical considerations should be taken into account when dealing with referential inscrutability in interpreting.”
• “Leveraging technology, such as eye-tracking and big data analysis, can assist in mitigating the challenges posed by referential inscrutability.”
• “Developing practical tools and resources can support interpreters in handling referential ambiguity.”
• “Pre-conference collaboration can help identify and address potential challenges related to referential inscrutability.”

The PhD dissertation has been examined and is recommended by the Viva-Voce Committee for acceptance and approval. The Candidate was recommended to be awarded the degree of Ph.D. majoring in Translation Studies.

The viva was attended by academics, researchers, students, and other interested individuals, including the researcher’s colleagues and family members.