Memory Training In Interpreter Training

This paper discusses memory training in the training of interpreters. According to Daniel Gile's Effort Model (a Processing Capacity Account), short-term memory is an essential part in the process of interpreting. Inspired by this theory and noting the fact that the majority of current interpretation trainings place overriding emphasis on language training, while pool little effort into the filed of memory, the author takes a bold step to make a study of information processing system in interpreting and tries to apply some of the popular memory-improving methods into the training of interpreters. In this paper, the author analyzes the major characteristics of short-term memory (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) and their implications for interpreters' memory training. The author believes that interpreting is an STM-centered activity, while LTM is also important as it stores the background knowledge which brings better listening comprehension. The training of memory skills, especially the STM skills is the first step in training a professional interpreter. Commonly used tactics for memory training for interpreters like retelling, categorization, generalization, comparison, shadowing exercises, mnemonics, reformulation exercises etc. are presented in this paper. It is also the author's hope that this study can be of referential value to the current interpretation training programs.