Abstract

The paper is conducted to explore the cognitive factors behind the failures in interpreting impromptu speeches. The thesis is going to analyze the factors that lead to such failures cognitively in order to propose countermeasures with some interpreters to deal with similar problems in C-E interpretation. And, all of my work is expected to make contributions to the development of consecutive interpretation.

The theory herein is Effort Model by Daniel Gile. According to the model, the author will firstly design an experiment so as to have comparisons between interpreting with script and interpreting for an impromptu speech under the same circumstances, data collected from it can help analyze the problem triggers of failures in interpreting C-E impromptu speech in details. And according to the analysis, solutions are expected to be put forward to deal with the problem.

Ten students who major in English translation or interpretation are invited to interpret the same manuscript both in script-reading and impromptu speech. The subjects are from different schools including Beijing Foreign Studies University, Shanghai International Studies University, Suzhou University and Yancheng Teachers University. Accuracy of the interpretation will be considered during the analysis so as to find out the detailed impacts of the two kinds of speeches on the quality of C-E interpretation. Finally, following the analysis of problem triggers through comparison, solutions to related problems can be proposed.

Key words: failure, C-E interpretation, script-reading speech, impromptu speech, Effort Model, problem trigger

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 Theoretical Analysis-2

2.1 Introduction to the Chapter-2

2.2 Theoretical Framework-2

2.2.1 The Effort Model (With Examples Provided)-2

2.2.2 Problem Triggers-7

2.2.3 Possible Problems of the Two Forms of Speech-8

2.2.4 Hypothesis to be Approved-8

2.3 Conclusion-9

3 Empirical Research-10

3.1 Introduction to the Chapter-10

3.2 Purposes of the Research-10

3.3 Design and Implementation of the Experiment-10

3.3.1 Experiment Materials-10

3.3.2 Subjects-11

3.3.3 Process-11

3.3.4 The Establishment of a Mini-scale Corpus-12

3.3.5 Analytical Method-12

3.4 Conclusion-13

4 Results and Analysis-14

4.1 Introduction to the Chapter-14

4.2 Results of the Experiment-14

4.2.1 Assessment of General Accuracy Rate-14

4.2.2 Unnatural Pauses and Hesitations-17

4.2.3 Comparison and Conclusion-18

4.3 Problem Triggers-18

4.3.1 Personal Ability of the Interpreter-18

4.3.2 Information Intensity-19

4.3.3 Numbers-21

4.3.4 Logical Relationship-23

4.4 Tactics-24

4.5 Factors That May Influence the Accuracy of the Experiment-24

5 Conclusion-25

References