Interprétation

Interprétation, or interpretation, is the act of explaining, translating, or understanding the meaning of something. It involves making sense of signs, statements, actions, or artifacts and is shaped by context, purpose, and prior knowledge. In French and other languages, the term covers both the process of decoding meaning and the result, the interpreted meaning.

In linguistics, interpretation concerns how listeners derive meaning from utterances, including semantics and pragmatics. It depends on context, speaker intent, cultural norms, and linguistic cues such as tone, syntax, and implicature.

In philosophy and hermeneutics, interpretation studies how texts and statements are understood. Central issues include the role of the reader, historical context, and potential multiple meanings. Key figures include Schleiermacher, Gadamer, and Ricoeur, who emphasize dialogical understanding and the fusion of horizons.

In law, interpretation refers to determining how legal texts should be applied. Methods include textual analysis, legislative intent, and purposive interpretation. Courts may use canons, precedent, and policy considerations to resolve ambiguities, affecting rights and obligations.

In music, interpretation denotes how performers render a composition, balancing fidelity to the score with personal expression through tempo, dynamics, and rubato. Debates exist over authenticity versus individual artistry.

In science and technology, interpretation or explainability concerns making models and data understandable to humans, enabling trust and accountability. Techniques include visualizations, feature importance, and awareness of the pitfalls of overinterpretation.