Interpretation

Interpretation is the act of explaining or giving meaning to something, such as a text, a symbol, a test result, or a spoken statement. It involves translating or reframing information so it can be understood within a specific context. Because interpretation relies on prior knowledge, assumptions, and cultural norms, different observers may derive different meanings from the same material.

In language, interpretation includes translation and the analysis of meaning in discourse. In literature and art, it refers to how readers or viewers interpret themes, symbols, and stylistic choices, often reflecting personal perspective as well as authorial intent. In law, statutory interpretation is the process by which courts determine how texts should be applied, guided by canons, context, and purpose. In science and data analysis, interpretation concerns explaining results, assessing significance, and drawing conclusions from evidence.

The study of interpretation is central to hermeneutics, a field focused on how texts are understood across time and culture. Semiotics treats interpretation as the decoding of signs and their meanings. Philosophical and practical approaches, including pragmatism and Bayesian reasoning, examine how prior beliefs shape understanding and how interpretations can be tested or revised.

Interpretation faces challenges such as ambiguity, bias, and incomplete information. Multiple interpretations may be valid, and consensus often requires justification, evidence, and openness to revision. Examples include a reader interpreting a novel, a judge interpreting a statute, a scientist interpreting a statistical result, a clinician interpreting a laboratory test, and a musician interpreting a score.