Simultaneous interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation

The simultaneous interpretation means translating the speaker’s speech almost simultaneously, which is used for international conferences, seminars and so on. Simultaneous interpretation makes a feature of professional and academic. Some people may think simultaneous interpretation is just a simple thing when you are proficient in the language and are quick-minded. However, if you can’t grasp the real meaning of the speech and just do simple conversion, you may fail.

I think, to be a good simultaneous interpreter, you should have the following abilities.

To begin with, memory ability is very important. Memory ability includes short-term memory and long-term memory. And short-term memory creates the probability of simultaneous interpretation. The interpreter should memory the sentences in the limited time, or the short-term memory will disappear quickly. But the interpreter needs long-term memory to get rid of simple conversion. And also, long-term memory can help interpreters grasp the spokesman’s meaning well and truly.

Then, interpreters should have the ability to predict the sentences and understand the speech in advance. Although the interpreter speaks after the spokesman, they also can catch up with the speed of spokesman. The decisive factors of prediction ability are language skills and the scope of knowledge.

Furthermore, strain capacity is necessary in simultaneous interpretation. The interpreter can’t avoid suffering unexpected difficulties. For example, when missing some words, the interpreter should complement the sentence according to the specific circumstance. When the prediction is opposite to the original sentences, the interpreter should not translate again but add an explanation in time.

Finally, we talk about storage capacity. In order to insure the fluency of simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter should store one or more conception that spokesman refers to. Because of there are many differences between Chinese and English, interpreters usually need adjust the structure of sentences. As a result, the storage capacity is very important for interpreters.

In conclusion, to make simultaneous interpretation accurate, clear and integrated, the interpreter should cultivate the four abilities above. But these abilities are the foundation of simultaneous interpretation. Also, how to practice is very important.

There are two model of practicing simultaneous interpretation. The first is Jill Model, which is SI=L+M+P+C. It means simultaneous interpretation depends on listening and analysis, short-term memory effort, speech production and coordination. Another model is Xiamen University Model. It is more difficult than Jill Model. And I want to talk about it in detail.

Xiamen University Model says the analysis of discourse and cross-cultural

communication is important. Only when you understand the differences of culture, you can understand the meaning exactly. And you should have good comprehension in source language and the knowledge. Moreover, skill and professional standard play an important role. The interpreter should abide by the criteria of interpreting. The last but not the least, interpreters should reconstruct the target language to complete the task. According to this model, the practice of interpreting should base primarily on the training of relevant skills. Whatever methods you use to practice, the perseverance is indispensable.