What is Interpretation?
The word Interpretation means many things. It can mean the
translation of languages, perceptions about poems or novels,
how a person feels about a historic building, or thinks about
a scientific theory.
In the National Park Service, other agencies
and many zoos and aquaria around the world, Interpretation
is the process of providing each visitor find an opportunity
to personally connect with a place. Each individual may connect
to the place in a different way...some may not connect immediately,
but everyone should have an opportunity to explore how that
special place is meaningful to them.
It might be that a ranger 's discussion
of a scenic vista inspires an emotional connection for some.
In the mind of another, an interpretive sign describing the
geologic history of the same landscape might provoke a more
intellectual connection.
The goal of all interpretive services is
to increase each visitor's enjoyment and understanding of
the parks, and to allow visitors to care about the parks on
their own terms.
|