In the rapidly evolving approaches to academic work, where digital resources and artificial intelligence are transforming the way research is conducted1, there remains a steadfast beacon of scholarly rigor in Interpreting Studies: the CIRIN Bulletin. Compiled biannually by Daniel Gile, one of the most esteemed figures in the discipline2, the CIRIN Bulletin is far more than just a repository of bibliographic references. It is a testament to the value of meticulous scholarship, intellectual depth, and sustained engagement with the field.
For decades, the CIRIN Bulletin has provided researchers with an expertly curated digest of recent publications in interpreting studies. Covering a range of topics from conference interpreting to community interpreting and beyond, it offers not just bibliographies but also insightful summaries and reviews. In an era where academic publishing has become increasingly prolific, this resource is invaluable in helping scholars navigate the expanding body of literature in the field.
However, what sets the CIRIN Bulletin apart is not merely its utility, but its distinctive character. In an age dominated by digital platforms and algorithm-driven searches, the Bulletin retains an old-fashioned charm that makes it truly unique. It arrives in a downloadable PDF format, not search features, no fancy UI. Its most compelling feature remains Daniel Gile’s own contributions—his commentary on recent publications, which is at times incisive, at times provocative, yet always deeply insightful. The critical review of a paper in the latest issue, for example, is likely to spark a heated debate between him and another professor. Believe me, this rarely happens in a community that generally avoids controversy and seeks to please itself. Whether one agrees with his assessments or not, his reflections serve as an intellectual stimulus, prompting readers to engage critically with the material.
This is a crucial lesson for young scholars entering the field. While AI, digital tools and bibliographical databases (see here my freely accessible database on Interpreting and Technologies) undoubtedly offer remarkable opportunities for accelerating research, they must be seen as supplements rather than replacements for deep, reflective inquiry. True academic progress is built upon a foundation of critical thinking and deliberate engagement with knowledge. And this requires time. The rapid processing of data cannot replace the nuanced understanding that comes from careful reading, thoughtful analysis, and sustained intellectual effort. It can, at best, accelerate and improve the quality of research. The CIRIN Bulletin serves as a reminder of this truth—it embodies a scholarly tradition that values substance over speed, depth over superficiality.
One cannot help but wonder how many emerging researchers, accustomed to sophisticated databases and AI-powered search engines, are familiar with the CIRIN Bulletin. If you are a young scholar in Interpreting Studies, I encourage you to explore this invaluable resource. Read it not just for its summaries and references, but for the depth of knowledge and intellectual engagement it represents. In doing so, you will be tapping into a scholarly tradition that remains as vital today as it has ever been.
For those interested, the latest and the past editions of the CIRIN Bulletin can be accessed here: https://www.cirin-gile.fr/
- See for example Deep Search by IBM, an AI tool to collect, convert, curate, and ultimately search large document collections like public documents, such as patents and research papers. ↩︎
- According to Google Scholar, Professor Gile is one of the most cited researchers in Interpreting Studies. ↩︎