Realizations Of Schema Theory In Interpreting And Interpreting Training

Based on schema theory which is widely applied to second language listening and reading, the present study focuses on the relationship between schema theory and interpreting as well as interpreting training. Interpreting is a complex process involving transference between two languages. Comprehension of the source text is an important part in interpreting. Schema theory is used to deal with comprehension problems and the role of schematic knowledge in the process of comprehension. As a results, the author attempts to apply schema theory to interpreting and interpreting training and study their relations.The thesis consists of five parts. The first part makes a brief explanation on the significance of the present study. In the second part, the author firstly reviews literature on schema theory and interpreting. Then the author analyzes their relationship and summarizes achievements and limitations of previous studies. The third part analyzes in details the important role of schemata in interpreting. Four major schemata are discussed in this part, including linguistic, cultural, generic and extralinguistic schemata. In the fourth part, the author talks about the purpose of interpreting training, and some major training methods based on schema theory. The last part concludes that though interpreting is an unconscious or subconscious realization of schema theory, we can never neglect the important role of schema theory. The interpreting trainers/teachers shall help interpreters set up and strengthen schemata in interpreting training, which is a conscious realization of schema theory.