This book is the first of its type, designed to introduce students, researchers and practitioners to the relatively new, and now fast developing, discipline of Interpreting Studies. Written by a leading researcher in the field, the book covers international conference, court and hospital interpreting in both spoken and signed languages. The book begins by tracing the evolution of the field, reviewing influential concepts, models and methodological approaches, then moves on to consider the main areas of research in interpreting, before reviewing major trends and suggesting areas for further research. Featuring chapter summaries, guides to the main points covered and suggestions for further reading, Franz Poechhacker's practical and user-friendly textbook is the definitive map of this important and growing discipline.