A Study On The Strategies Of C/E Consecutive Interpreting From The Perspective Of Functionalist Approach

Functional translation theory was founded by Katharina Reiss in the 1970s. She proposed that the intended function is determined by the translation brief. Thereafter, her student Hans J. Vermeer establishes the core theory of the functionalism, the Skopostheorie. The basic idea is that translation is a purposeful communicative action, and the Skopos determines the whole translation procedure. The translator should decide the translation strategies according to the intended function of the target language instead of the function of the source text in its original form. The source text plays a role of"an offer of information". Later, Nord completes the Skopostheory by proposing the"function plus loyalty"rule. This theory enlightens the translator in the following ways: fully realizing his role in translation; elevating cross-cultural sensitivity; considering the acceptance and expectation of the TT readers; showing respects to the sender's expectation but not being constrained by the forms, contents and function of the original text.C/E consecutive interpreting is a translational action, therefore it has purpose or Skopos. Based on the functionalist translation theory, especially the Skopostheorie, and for the purpose of providing the practical consecutive interpreting (CI) strategy, this thesis analyzes the C/E consecutive interpreting theoretically and practically as well, and testifies the feasibility of applying the functionalism to the C/E CI. As the Skopostheorie is of great value for guiding the operation of C/E CI, the interpreter should consider the intended function of the target version, and then choose the appropriate expressions accepted by the audience in the target culture. The original form and content of the source text (speech) is an"offer of information"for the interpreter, and all s/he tries to do is to realize the Skopos of the target version. Due to the linguistic and cultural differences of Chinese and English, the interpreter must make necessary adjustment or re-forming of the speech to fulfill the Skopos of the target version. Basing on the analysis, the author points out some effective consecutive interpreting strategies.