Interpreting Concepts and Definitions

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Questions and Answers

What is one advantage of using abbreviations in note-taking?

Make interpretation more difficult

Increase the amount of detail in notes

Encourage word-for-word translation

Help save time in taking notes (correct)

Noting in the source language can lead to the temptation of noting words instead of ideas.

True

What should interpreters do before noting an idea?

Understand a complete idea

Interpreters should mark the page containing the missing information with a ______.

pen or pencil Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

Abbreviations = Represents ideas rather than words Missing information = Marked with a big cross Reading notes = Should not distract from the audience Source language note-taking = Provides a full set of notes Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of noting in source language?

Interpreter becomes lazy following the speaker passively Signup and view all the answers

Symbols and abbreviations should be designed for frequently occurring notions.

True Signup and view all the answers

What should interpreters avoid while reading notes back to the audience?

Looking too much at the notes Signup and view all the answers

What is interpreting?

The process by which an interpretation is produced, understood as the activity of the conference interpreter. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'interpretation' refer to?

Oral translation, describing the product of the conference interpreter's activity. Signup and view all the answers

Who is referred to as a speaker in interpreting?

The original speaker to be interpreted. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'mother tongue' mean?

An interpreter’s best active language, which may not necessarily be the language of their parents or country of birth. Signup and view all the answers

What is a source language?

The language in which a speech is made in the original. Signup and view all the answers

What is a target language?

The language into which a speech is to be put. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'consecutive interpreting.'

The spoken rendering of a speech or speech fragment immediately after it has been pronounced. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'simultaneous interpreting'?

The spoken rendering of a speech or speech fragment at the same time it is being delivered. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'reformulation' mean in interpreting?

The general practice of modifying the form of an utterance to reproduce its meaning in another language. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the salami technique.

The technique of 'slicing up' a long or complicated sentence into shorter, more comprehensible sentences during the interpreting process. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'active listening'?

Constant attention to the meanings or ideas expressed by a speaker, beyond the forms used to express them. Signup and view all the answers

What is passive listening?

Listening for main ideas to get the general message without paying attention to every detail. Signup and view all the answers

What should an interpreter do if they do not know a word or expression?

Base the translation on context or ask for clarification. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of understanding grammatical structures in interpreting.

Good understanding of grammar helps interpreters to convey the intended meaning accurately. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of speech that an interpreter may encounter?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How should an interpreter handle a lengthy or unclear speech?

Follow the speaker closely and seek to make ideas clear by rearranging them. Signup and view all the answers

What should notes taken by interpreters be?

Easy to read and written in large characters. Signup and view all the answers

What is a clarification question?

A question asked by the interpreter to the speaker when they do not fully understand the message. Signup and view all the answers

What are some basic rules for interpreting?

Maintain eye contact, speak clearly, interpret immediately after the speaker stops, and use the right intonation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions and Concepts

Interpreting: The activity of producing an oral translation as performed by a conference interpreter.
Interpretation: The product generated from the interpreter's activity involving oral translation.
Speaker: The individual whose speech is being interpreted, distinct from the interpreter.
Delegate: Any participant in a meeting, whether speaking or listening.
Mother Tongue: An interpreter's strongest active language; may differ from their parents' or country's language.
Source Language: The original language of a speech that needs to be interpreted.
Target Language: The language into which the speech is translated.
Consecutive Interpreting: An interpretation delivered after the speaker finishes a sentence or segment.
Simultaneous Interpreting: Interpretation occurs simultaneously as the speech is delivered.

Approaches to Understanding

Focus on understanding ideas, not just individual words; context is crucial for meaning.
Use context clues to deduce unfamiliar words, ensuring effective translation.
If words are unclear, admit ignorance and seek clarification from the speaker.
Active listening requires total attention to meanings, while passive listening focuses on main ideas.

Analyzing Speech Types

Rhetorical Speech: Rich in language; interpreters must engage all language skills.
Stone-walling Speech: Long and unclear; interpreters should follow closely for coherence.
Logical Speech: Clear arguments; attention to logical connections between ideas is essential.
Narrative Speech: Watch for time phrases; adjust for accuracy if speaker strays from timeline.
Descriptive Speech: Often lacks clarity; interpreters should note details thoroughly.

Techniques for Interpreting

Salami Technique: Break long sentences into shorter, clearer segments for comprehension.
Translation Unit: The smallest indivisible element in the translation process.

Memorization Strategies

Visualize the speech to aid memory retention of spoken content.
Create skeletal outlines of ideas to condense information efficiently.
Focus on the beginning and end of speeches for structural understanding.

Re-expressing Speech

Maintain eye contact and clarity while interpreting; deliver in the target language fluently.
Combine similar ideas for conciseness; avoid word-for-word translation for natural flow.
Constantly seek to improve language skills by expanding vocabulary and staying informed.

Note-Taking Techniques

Use a structured layout for notes to enhance readability and organization.
Record main ideas, links, and speakers' viewpoints without excessive detail.
Abbreviations and symbols can increase efficiency but should be kept intuitive.

Asking for Clarification

In informal settings, it is acceptable to ask for clarification; in formal settings, strive to interpret as accurately as possible.
Questions must be concise and necessary; focus on clarity and politeness.### Note-Taking Techniques for Interpreters
Interpreters face challenges with attentiveness and analysis while transforming spoken words into symbols; concentration on note-taking can lead to information being missed.

Abbreviations and Symbols

Abbreviations and symbols must be logical and consistent; what makes sense to one interpreter may be meaningless to another.
Develop symbols and abbreviations for common concepts such as country names, verbs, and verb tenses to enhance efficiency.

Language of Notation

Noting in the source language benefits interpreters by eliminating translation questions during note-taking, ensuring a complete set of notes, and better handling of cultural concepts lacking direct equivalents.
Disadvantages of source language noting include the temptation to transcribe words instead of ideas, which can foster a passive approach and make it challenging to reconstruct the speech.

Timing of Noting

Interpreters should focus on understanding complete ideas before noting them; speed should not undermine comprehension.

Reading Back Notes

Maintain engagement with the audience; do not let them see the interpreter is reading notes.
Develop the skill of glancing at notes while communicating; clear notes facilitate smoother delivery.

Smooth Delivery Techniques

Similar to a pianist, interpreters should read ahead in their notes, allowing for seamless transitions in their speech and keeping the interpretation fluid and efficient.

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Description

This quiz covers essential definitions and concepts related to interpreting, including key terms like source language, target language, and types of interpreting. It's designed to deepen your understanding of the role of interpreters in meetings and conferences. Test your knowledge on these fundamental concepts!