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On Interpretation: Sociology for Interpreters of Natural and Cultural
Widely used by the National Park Service and other organizations to train interpreters and other recreational professionals, this book shows how interpretation and sociology can be useful partners. Includes essays on cultural diversity in the U.S., gender-bias in museums, interpreting war and peace, eco-tourism, and other topics.
308 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 17, 2025
2.4/5: outdated and full of blindspots
I'll start out with saying that there is good stuff in here. Good full articles, in fact! It reads like a short story anthology if you switch out short stories for articles on how to properly complete interpretation programs for individuals and groups. Like all short story anthologies, there'll be some gems in there. Section 2 has particularly good pieces on interpretation for kids and the elderly. The case study on Japanese tourists is good for a park ranger or docent on how to talk to general international visitors.
The rest of 'em? Clunkers. The first section is a dry heave of information on study methodology. The chapter on cruise ships is outdated both on experience ("it's a new concept!") and on clientele ("you know what these cruise ship guys would like? NOTEBOOKS."). The chapter on demographics in America says nothing about race. The chapter on urban parks says nothing about historical parks. The chapter actually ON race says nothing about scientific studies at all, and goes straight to "they don't find nature special and we might as well focus on ecology rather than getting them interested." Not a fan. Also not a fan of ending the book with a chapter that can only be described as the most smug, contrarian hot take you've ever heard, mixed in with some philosophy quotes and a condescending spelled-out definition of "chutzpah."
I'll start out with saying that there is good stuff in here. Good full articles, in fact! It reads like a short story anthology if you switch out short stories for articles on how to properly complete interpretation programs for individuals and groups. Like all short story anthologies, there'll be some gems in there. Section 2 has particularly good pieces on interpretation for kids and the elderly. The case study on Japanese tourists is good for a park ranger or docent on how to talk to general international visitors.
The rest of 'em? Clunkers. The first section is a dry heave of information on study methodology. The chapter on cruise ships is outdated both on experience ("it's a new concept!") and on clientele ("you know what these cruise ship guys would like? NOTEBOOKS."). The chapter on demographics in America says nothing about race. The chapter on urban parks says nothing about historical parks. The chapter actually ON race says nothing about scientific studies at all, and goes straight to "they don't find nature special and we might as well focus on ecology rather than getting them interested." Not a fan. Also not a fan of ending the book with a chapter that can only be described as the most smug, contrarian hot take you've ever heard, mixed in with some philosophy quotes and a condescending spelled-out definition of "chutzpah."
September 6, 2016
After the sluggish methods section, I found this a very interesting book. I am surprised that information like this is not emphasized more during interpretative training. This, or at least sections of this book, should be required reading for interpreters.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews