Interpretation

Question 1

What is interpretation?

Answer 1

Interpretation is a community process, which aims at helping people to discover the significance of things, places, people and events. It is more than just information and education, it involves helping people change the way they see themselves and the world, through gaining a better understanding of the impact they have on each other.

Question 2

Three purposes of interpretation

Answer 2

Three purposes of interpretation

1. VISITOR ENJOYMENT – tourists need to seek fun and entertainment from their tour experiences. It also enhances visitors’ recreational experience; making it more meaningful and enjoyable. They often enjoy a feeling of informality to enhance their enjoyment.
2. VISITOR MANAGEMENT – this aims to encourage appropriate behaviours in protected areas and heritage sites. The best management tool is usually education. Inappropriate behaviours are usually the result of ignorance rather than malice.
3. EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY – enhance understanding about the natural environment and thereby encourage conservation attitudes and behaviour. The use of rangers and tour guides often helps in promoting best practice in sustainability measures.

Question 3

Explain the difference between personal interpretation and non-personal interpretation, giving an example of each

Answer 3

**Personal Interpretation **

• refers to direct contact between interpreter and visitor, for example guided walks or tours, information, talks, demonstrations.

While **Non-personal Interpretation **

• conveys messages to visitors without an interpreter, for example visitor centres, signs, brochures, self-guided walks or drives.

Question 4

Compare the advantage or disadvantage of personal and non-personal interpretation in relation to cost and flexibility

Answer 4

PERSONAL

Advantages

• flexible and spontaneous
• can be revised & updated
• can adapt to audience
• allows interaction

Disadvantages

• more expensive
• only reaches a few
• can have negative effect if poorly presented

NON - PERSONAL

Advantages

• lower cost
• always available
• can set own pace
• read only what interests

Disadvantages

• passive and inflexible
• one way communication
• can be intrusive on the landscape

Question 5

Explain the concept of interpretation?

Answer 5

Interpretation is a community process, which aims at helping people to discover the significance of things, places, people and events. It is more than just information and education, it involves helping people change the way they see themselves and the world, through gaining a better understanding of the impact they have on each other. It can involve both personal and non-personal techniques….

Question 6

Explain the principles of interpretation?

Answer 6

INTERPRETATION IS NOT TEACHING OR INSTRUCTION IN THE ACADEMIC SENSE

• Do not need to master all the information
• Visitors only pay attention if they choose
• Ecotourists are voluntary students

INTERPRETATION MUST BE ENJOYABLE FOR VISITORS

• Tourists are pleasure seekers
• Entertainment is not the main goal of interpretation but it is an essential quality

INTERPRETATION MUST BE RELEVANT FOR VISITORS

• Must cater to the particular audience (relevant, pitched at the right level)
• Must use a common language (everyday not jargon)
• Personalising the issues can help

INTERPRETATION MUST BE WELL ORGANIZED SO THAT VISITORS CAN EASILY FOLLOW IT

• Logical, organised framework
• Digestible pieces of 5-9 units of information

INTERPRETATION SHOULD HAVE A THEME NOT JUST A TOPIC

• Topic is the subject matter, theme is the message or point (broad ideas)
• People tend to remember themes

Question 7

Purpose of interpretation in ecotourism?

Answer 7

Three purposes of interpretation

1. VISITOR ENJOYMENT – tourists need to seek fun and entertainment from their tour experiences. It also enhances visitors’ recreational experience; making it more meaningful and enjoyable. They often enjoy a feeling of informality to enhance their enjoyment.
2. VISITOR MANAGEMENT – this aims to encourage appropriate behaviours in protected areas and heritage sites. The best management tool is usually education. Inappropriate behaviours are usually the result of ignorance rather than malice.
3. EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY – enhance understanding about the natural environment and thereby encourage conservation attitudes and behaviour. The use of rangers and tour guides often helps in promoting best practice in sustainability measures.