3 Note-taking Theory in Interpreting

3.1 Function of Interpreting Notes

Most people think that notes only back up interpreter’s memory when it needs help, but the function of interpreting notes are more than that. A.Gillies (2005) listed functions of interpreting as follows.来.自/751论|文-网www.751com.cn/

a. Macro-thinking

The original speech is a group of ideas in a certain order. Making notes is to analyze these ideas and rearrange them in a more concise, consistent, recognizable way, by which the interpreter can quickly seize the main information of the speech. In other words, notes are a visual representation of your analysis of the source speech.

b. Capacity

Even if the interpreter has the best memory in the world, he can’t remember all the information in interpreting. But luckily, words are invented and he can note certain information without remembering all of the original speech. Making notes expand interpreter’s capacity in interpreting and make it easier.

c. Automatization

There is a saying goes like this: practice makes perfect. It is so true in making notes. If the interpreter have made enough notes and built a consistent system of note-making, then in the process of notes-making, less effort will be required and more time will saved.

d. A bottom-up approach

Usually, the interpreter makes notes based on his analysis of source speech, but learning a notes-taking system can help analyze better. If the interpreter encounter a strange element and devices which he haven’t encountered previously, then he will be aware of it soon and identify them easily.