Reports about Byzantine Interpreters, 890—960s: toward the Comprehension of Communicatory Practices in the Romanland

The article presents an analyses of evidences revealed in written texts about the activities of interpreters (translators) in the Byzantine Empire from 890s to 960s. Based on the data collected, it is concluded that all identified interpreters were typical Romans (Byzantines), but not immigrants or repatriates. Translation services were a part of Byzantium’s daily life; interpreters operate in a variety of situations and locations — from the imperial palace to the common market. Byzantine interpreters did not constitute a separate professional group of bureaucrats, subordinated to one agency. Language experts served in a wide variety of military units and civilian institutions. Knowledge of languages clearly contributed to the military or bureaucratic career of any Byzantine Roman. The Greek language served as one of the key markers of self-identification for the Byzantines and made it possible to assimilate or weed out foreign ethno-linguistic elements effectively. The axiology of “our” Greek language, both in its classical written tradition and in its vernacular forms, was a necessary integrative element of the “field of power” of the Byzantine Roman emperors.

Keywords

Byzantium, Romanland, Byzantines, interpreters, communication, ethno-linguistic identity, multilingualism

Received

26.02.2020

Publication date

15.10.2020

Number of characters

41661

Cite

GOST	Schavelev A. Reports about Byzantine Interpreters, 890—960s: toward the Comprehension of Communicatory Practices in the Romanland // ISTORIYA – 2020. – V. 11. – Issue 9 (95) [Electronic resource]. URL: https://history.jes.su/S207987840012336-8-1 (circulation date: 19.05.2024). DOI: 10.18254/S207987840012336-8
MLA	Schavelev, Aleksey "Reports about Byzantine Interpreters, 890—960s: toward the Comprehension of Communicatory Practices in the Romanland." ISTORIYA 11.9 (95) (2020) DOI: 10.18254/S207987840012336-8
APA	Schavelev A. (2020). Reports about Byzantine Interpreters, 890—960s: toward the Comprehension of Communicatory Practices in the Romanland. ISTORIYA 11(9 (95)) DOI: 10.18254/S207987840012336-8

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