Application Of Schema Theory To Interpretation And Interpreting Training

In this thesis, the author takes schema theory as the theoretical frame to analyse the process of interpretation, and explores functions of schemata in interpretation. The author also carries out a research on application of schema theory to interpreting training in the hope of improving the effect of such kind of training.As a complex activity of language, interpretation involves transformation of two languages, which is composed of comprehension, memorization of the source language, and expression of the target language. According to schema theory, the knowledge in mind is organized into interrelated patterns which are constructed from one's previous experience of the experiential world. They guide the understanding of new experiences and help make predictions about what one might expect to experience in a given context. So schemata have a vital influence on interpretation. They play a key role in comprehension, memorization, recalling, and forecasting in the whole interpreting activity. To give full play of schemata in the process of interpreting, one must have enough schemata and be able to activate appropriate schemata in time.As for interpreting training, the author takes Xiamen University's Model as a guide since it offers the essential knowledge structure required for an interpreter. Therefore, in interpreting training the teacher should help students or interpreters form new knowledge schemata, and teach them how to expand and activate schemata. The author also talks about some detailed aspects in interpreting training based on schema theory.