Establishing Eunoia in Interpretation: A Conceptual Proposal for Future Research and Practice

Heritage interpretation lacks a unifying framework for training, planning, and delivery that integrates ethical, emotional, and practical communication skills. This article introduces Aristotle’s concept of eunoia —goodwill toward the audience—as a missing cornerstone not currently addressed in the field. It argues that eunoia can function as both an integrative ethos framework and a cognitive schema that unites existing techniques such as trust-building and dialogic responsiveness under a coherent ethical orientation. By cultivating eunoia , interpreters can enhance credibility, foster meaningful audience connections, and develop a more reflective, audience-centred practice. The article concludes with a call for future research on how eunoia can be systematically integrated into interpretation.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Interpretation Research
Published
2026-02-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872261419005
Primary Topic
Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Establishing Eunoia in Interpretation: A Conceptual Proposal for Future Research and Practice

Rasmus Otvald
Journal of Interpretation Research
Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare
article

Establishing Eunoia in Interpretation: A Conceptual Proposal for Future Research and Practice

Rasmus Otvald
article en

Abstract

Heritage interpretation lacks a unifying framework for training, planning, and delivery that integrates ethical, emotional, and practical communication skills. This article introduces Aristotle’s concept of eunoia —goodwill toward the audience—as a missing cornerstone not currently addressed in the field. It argues that eunoia can function as both an integrative ethos framework and a cognitive schema that unites existing techniques such as trust-building and dialogic responsiveness under a coherent ethical orientation. By cultivating eunoia , interpreters can enhance credibility, foster meaningful audience connections, and develop a more reflective, audience-centred practice. The article concludes with a call for future research on how eunoia can be systematically integrated into interpretation.

Journal of Interpretation Research
University College of Northern Denmark (DK)
Sustainable cities and communities
Openalex Percentile: Top 57%
Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare
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