Some dimensions where Liaison differs

I am not referring here to processes but to client/provider interaction that is specific or conventional with liaison interpreting. Stuck in an office environment with (not enough) interpretation to do and mostly translation tasks, I am reminded what liaison offers in terms of human communication and bonding. There is much movement involved with liaison interpreting as I know it: to the airport, hotel, client's partner office with meetings that usually do not last for days, more movement to the next appointment, and the same menu the following day. This traveling together and spending break times together as well allow for many opportunities to communicate, about the assignment and often about more private or simply mundane things about food, the weather and the likes. These are strategic moment that allow the interpreter to clarify ever more the context and issues at stake, but also to demonstrate professionalism outside the action setting. I tend to believe that these breaks between sessions of interpretation are as essential as when performing. Bonding happen, a brief shared feeling that we are on the same boat, and knowingly for a duration more than often to be short, although it could be repeated in the future. The feel good factor, and the endeavor the interpreter must display to make things feel good are important.

What is missing right now is exactly this, and the need to manage marginality awkwardly felt. In fact, when moving with clients, there is no time to ponder on the fact that marginality is a matter of fact, because it is perceived and implicitly agreed upon on both sides. Spending long days in an office where office drama takes place permanently is a strange situation. I am missing mobility of liaison interpreting more than ever.