On the Use of Compensatory Strategies in Simultaneous Interpretation
The Journal of Specialised Translation
Issue 13 – January 2010
Coping Strategies for Fast Delivery in Simultaneous Interpretation
Changshuan Li, Beijing Foreign Studies University ABSTRACT Fast speech is the arch enemy of simultaneous interpreters. Prior preparation may address deficiencies in knowledge and terminology, and to some extent, alleviate the pressure of speed of delivery. But if the speed is beyond a certain limit, no interpreter can transmit the message in full, even if he/she is an expert in the subject. Fast deliveries place interpreters and listeners, particularly non-native listeners, at a disadvantage. It is widely recognised that a rate between 100 and 120 words per minute (wpm) is optimal for English speeches, although the figure may differ for different speech types. This translates into an optimal speed of 150-180 syllables per minute for Chinese speeches. To cope with speeches faster than optimal speeds, this paper proposes four strategies: the speaker is requested to slow down; the interpreter speeds up; summarisation; termination of service. KEYWORDS Simultaneous interpreting, delivery speed, coping strategies, summarisation, termination of service.
1. Speed—an Insurmountable Barrier Fast speech is the arch enemy of simultaneous interpreters. Prior preparation may address deficiencies in knowledge and terminology, and to some extent, alleviate the pressure of fast delivery. But if the speed is beyond a certain limit, no interpreter can transmit the message in full, even if the interpreter is an expert in the subject. This is even more so when the structures of the source and target languages differ substantially. The reason is simple. All interpreters have limited mental capacity. In simultaneous interpretation (SI), interpreters have to allocate attention among several tasks: listening and analysis, production, shortterm memory and coordination (Gile 1995: 161). When a speaker‟s delivery is rapid, listening and analysis alone
Issue 13 – January 2010
Coping Strategies for Fast Delivery in Simultaneous Interpretation
Changshuan Li, Beijing Foreign Studies University ABSTRACT Fast speech is the arch enemy of simultaneous interpreters. Prior preparation may address deficiencies in knowledge and terminology, and to some extent, alleviate the pressure of speed of delivery. But if the speed is beyond a certain limit, no interpreter can transmit the message in full, even if he/she is an expert in the subject. Fast deliveries place interpreters and listeners, particularly non-native listeners, at a disadvantage. It is widely recognised that a rate between 100 and 120 words per minute (wpm) is optimal for English speeches, although the figure may differ for different speech types. This translates into an optimal speed of 150-180 syllables per minute for Chinese speeches. To cope with speeches faster than optimal speeds, this paper proposes four strategies: the speaker is requested to slow down; the interpreter speeds up; summarisation; termination of service. KEYWORDS Simultaneous interpreting, delivery speed, coping strategies, summarisation, termination of service.
1. Speed—an Insurmountable Barrier Fast speech is the arch enemy of simultaneous interpreters. Prior preparation may address deficiencies in knowledge and terminology, and to some extent, alleviate the pressure of fast delivery. But if the speed is beyond a certain limit, no interpreter can transmit the message in full, even if the interpreter is an expert in the subject. This is even more so when the structures of the source and target languages differ substantially. The reason is simple. All interpreters have limited mental capacity. In simultaneous interpretation (SI), interpreters have to allocate attention among several tasks: listening and analysis, production, shortterm memory and coordination (Gile 1995: 161). When a speaker‟s delivery is rapid, listening and analysis alone
Bibliography: Chang, Chia-Chien (2005), Directionality in Chinese/English Simultaneous Interpreting: Impact on Performance and Strategy Use. PhD thesis. Graduate School of the University of Texas at Austin. Online at http://www.lib.utexas.edu/etd/d/2005/changc71804/changc71804.pdf (consulted 13.09.2006). Communicate (1999). AIIIC Webzine n°1. Online at http://www.aiic.net/ViewPage.cfm/article13 (consulted 18.10.2009) Feng, Jingbao (冯京葆) (2002), 我做口译的经历和体会. china.net/schools/experience.htm (consulted 2006-9-13) http://www.si- Gerver, David (1969). “The effects of source language presentation rate on the performance of simultaneous conference interpreters”. Emerson Foulke (Ed), Proceedings of the 2nd Louisville Conference on Rate and/or Frequency Controlled Speech. Louisville, KY: University of Louisville. October 22-24, 1969. 162-184. Gile, Daniel (1995). Basic Concepts and Models for Interpreter and Translator Training. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. Lederer, Marianne Modernes. (1981). La Traduction simultanée. Paris: Minard Lettres 24 The Journal of Specialised Translation Issue 13 – January 2010 Seleskovitch, Danica (1978). Interpreting for international conferences. Washington, D. C.: Pen&Booth. Tips for Speakers (no date). Online at http://www.eudevdays.eu/docs/tips2007_en.pdf (consulted 18.10.2009) VOA Special English (2005). Online at http://www.unsv.com/voanews/specialenglish/about/ (consulted 18.10.2009). Xie, Likui (谢礼逵) (2002)，广播新闻播音语速浅析，中国主播网，Online at http://www.zhubo.net/Article/zyzn/qxkz/200607/807.html (consulted 13.09.2006) Biography Li Changshuan is Associate Professor, Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation, Beijing Foreign Studies University, China. He is also a conference interpreter and translator. Email: lichangshuan@gmail.com 1 Based on the author‟s experience, with succinct writing, depending on the nature of the document, this ratio may be as high as 1.7:1. 25