3. A Review on the Practice of Consecutive Interpreting in Translation Class
This section reviews the practice of interpreting conducted by Translation students ofUdayana University Class of 2010 conducted in March and April 2011. There are eight groups and each group consists of three people each. The mode of interpreting used is consecutive and almost all members of the groups did note taking during the interpretation process. The use of note taking was proven to be very beneficial since human has limited ability to do multi tasks at once which include registering information, comprehending the meaning, arranging / mapping that information, thinking about the lexical choice while remembering another message, connecting it with the previous message (when needed) and producing the interpretation.
The information such as numbers, date, proper names and any other difficult and complicated messages are very needed to be noted in consecutive interpreting. Every student has his/her own ways in doing note taking. This is related to how they process the information in their brain. Some people are born with a good ability to memorize; some are born with a good analysis. The combination of both would be very helpful. As stated above, mind mapping will enhance the power of brain in arranging the information in our mind. From the practices, not all the students knows about the theory of mind mapping but all of them could do note taking. Some who know about mind mapping may find easier way in note taking.
From the practices conducted in the class by the eight groups, some important points are noted. First, when producing the interpretation we pay attention to the language style. Recognize the audience and adjust the language style and formality with them. The use of slang is avoided in formal settings. Second, when producing the interpretation, eye contact to the audience is necessary. Third, in case of the interpreter mention a terminology but doesn’t clearly explain it and if we know about it, we can give the audience a brief information as long as the additional information that we give is not confusing and is not contradicting. The interpreter may give some additional information for the sake of making the interpretation clearer. As long as it doesn’t create misunderstanding and confusion it is acceptable.
4. Conclusion and Suggestion
As mentioned in the beginning of this paper, interpreting is not an easy task to do. It requires a complex knowledge, skills, and experience. Note taking in consecutive interpreting is important and helpful because it helps the interpreting during the work. It helps the interpreters remember certain information and organize their interpretation. The tense, and loads mixed with the overlapping cognitive process in the interpreters’ brain require them to use sufficient techniques according to the level of difficulty of the topic.
In the note taking techniques, mind mapping plays a very important part. It will help the information in our brain flow well. Much information which is not arranged well in our brain will confuse our system and of course we will spend much energy to deal with this confusion. Interpreting is a tiring job; we have to use our energy efficiently.
Some suggestions on consecutive interpreting especially for the students in translation class are:
It is good to know and try that mind mapping is important in note taking in consecutive interpreting.
When producing the interpretation pay attention to the language style. Recognize the audience and adjust the language style and formality with them. The use of slang is avoided in formal settings.
When producing the interpretation, eye contact to the audience is necessary.
In case of the interpreter mention a terminology but doesn’t clearly explain it and if we know about it, we can give the audience a brief information as long as the additional information that we give is not confusing and is not contradicting.
Focus is a must in interpreting. Once we get loss, it may affect to the next information in the case where the previous information relates with the next one.
Relaxing mind during the work and don’t let other things distract our concentration.
Apart from the language competence that the interpreters should have, they should also care about the code ethics in interpreting.
The knowledge about the subject matter is very important. Therefore, it is good to get to know the topic or if possible the copy material prior to the work.
Preparation and experience will contribute almost sixty percent of confidence.
The last but not least, practice makes perfect. The more practice, the better the interpretation will be.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hanh, Pham Hong. 2006. Note-Taking in Consecutive Interpreting. Hanoi University of Foreign Studies
Hatim, Basil and Mason, Ian. 1999. The Translator as Communicator. Routledge: New Yorkhttp://interpreters.free.fr/consecnotes/symbolexamples2.htm
Ingemann, Marcus. The Power of Mind Mapping. FortuneWell.com
Pochhacker, Franz. 2004. Introducing Interpreting Studies. New York: Routlegde Taylor and Francis Group.
Santiago, R. 2004. Consecutive Interpreting: A Brief Review. Available athttp://home.earthlink.net/~terperto/id16.html
Seleskovitch, D. 1978. Interpreting for International Conferences. Washington, DC: Pen & Booth.
Smith, F. 1985. Reading Without Nonsense. New York: NY Teacher’s College Press