Interpreting and War Journalism: Collecting Memories of Fixers in Ukraine

Abstract

The role of interpreters in conflict zones has drawn increasing attention from researchers and the media. However, there remains a notable gap in studies exploring the functions of interpreters working alongside foreign war journalists, commonly referred to as “fixers”. Fixers are tasked with translating and interpreting, guiding journalists on the ground, facilitating contact with civilians and local authorities, and assessing risks. This paper aims to analyse their roles during the recent conflict in Ukraine. Drawing on published testimonies from and semi-structured interviews with Ukrainian fixers, the article seeks to understand their roles and challenges. Key findings reveal that, in addition to navigating significant security risks, fixers face dilemmas regarding identity and the expectation of neutrality. Frequently, personal affiliations and emotions conflict with situations they face, particularly when those issues directly affect their homeland or community. Their prior experiences and war narratives they navigate substantially influence their choices when translating specific concepts for journalists, underscoring the notion that language is rarely neutral. These findings invite reflection on the impact fixers may have on processes of news transmission.

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