CONSECUTIVE

INTERPRETING

Principles of Consecutive Interpreting:

Understanding
Dealing with different kinds of texts
Identification of main ideas
Analysis of links
Memory
Re-expression

1. Understanding
= understanding of ideas/ concepts, not words

interpreters are not encyclopedic dictionaries

take advantage of the direct contact with the
delegate
attention + concentration power training
clear mind + sound psychological condition

2. Different kinds of texts (discourses)

presenting logical arguments (2 points of view +

conclusion)
sequence of logical deduction (conclusion based on
speakers p.o.v.)
descriptive (event, scene, situation, etc.)
polemical speeches (purpose: to convince the audience)
rhetorical speeches (aim: to pay tribute to someone
through elegant style; no focus on the content)
elusive speeches (aim: hiding or not communicating
something)

3. Identification of main ideas

= interpretation behind mere words

ability to make a summary without omitting

significant points

(assimilation + discrimination)

4. Analysis of links

identification of the way ideas get connected

(logical consequence, cause, effect,
opposition, contradiction, contrast, etc.) connectors

5. Memory

STM vs. LTM

training: mnemonic technique
the most important parts to be remembered and
interpreted accurately: beginning and end of
speech

6. Re-expression

not expected to provide an academically perfect

interpretation

main concern: render the meaning clearly and

correctly

Interpreters are public speakers:

- speaking clearly
- articulating precisely
- eye-contact
- pleasant appearance
- look at notes only from time to time
- tone of the voice
Interpreters = communicators

Forming a professional interpreter: 3-4 years

NOTE-TAKING IN
INTERPRETING

WHY?

it helps at relieving the memory

NOTE-TAKING

WHAT?

main ideas; structure

links
verbs: tenses, modals, conditionals
numbers, dates, proper names

NOTE-TAKING

ON WHAT?

no loose sheets
a 15 cm X 20 cm note-pad with sheets clipped at
the top
only on one side of each sheet

NOTE-TAKING

HOW?

quickly but clearly

accurate
concise, non-literary manner
large characters
easily readable
unequivocal, unambiguous (abbreviations,
symbols)

NOTE-TAKING

reflecting the structure of the speech: separate the

elements from left to right and from top to bottom:

Links (left-hand margin)

lists: vertically

subject(s)
verb(s)
object(s)

NOTE-TAKING

developing your own style (symbols,

acronyms, Greek alphabet, mathematical and
geometric symbols, international car codes,
arrows, short-hand, invented signs, etc.)