A Comparative Study Of The Effect Of Audio And Textual Input In Simultaneous Interpreting Preparation

To ensure the quality of his/her performance, a simultaneous interpreter would normally prepare himself/herself by familiarizing with the task before hand. The method of such preparation is therefore of significance.Based on the Effort Model of Daniel Gile, this paper attempts at an empirical study of the effects of different types of input in SI preparation.By comparing the performance of interpreters subject to different inputs, namely audio, textual and perhaps no inputs, the study draws a conclusion as to which is more preferable and offers advice on preparation.The comparison shows that the performance of the audio group is better than that of the other two, a likely result of fewer burdens on listening and analysis due to the audio information they received before. The textual group does better in vocabulary and details. The group that was not prepared underperforms in every aspect. It is advised that interpreters, both trainees and professionals, should be fully prepared for the interpreting task, preferably with audio information of the speakers, which would help improve their performance.