Self, Space, and Interpretive Experience: The Interactionism of Environmental Interpretation

Abstract

In recent years there has been concern expressed for the need to strengthen and broaden the theoretical foundations of interpretation research and practice. Drawing on interactionist theory and sociological and spatial perspectives, the paper seeks to address this concern by proposing an alternative approach to environmental interpretation that moves us towards the construction of a person-centered sociology of interpretation. A central element in this conceptualization involves moving the focus on to the interpretive experience and the interrelation between interpretive spaces, the selves, and “other” as elements of the interpretive experience. It is argued that the current practice of interpretation is increasingly used as a tool more for controlling the behavior of the visitor and their impacts and less as a medium that facilitates and promotes interaction and exchange between the visitor, the host community, and nature. Thus there is a need to re-examine and re-position the concept of environmental interpretation. It is suggested that the approach put forth in this paper can provide interpreters and park agencies with a theoretically expanded and more holistic approach to interpretation practice.