Pre-Interpretation Work And Relevant Training Models: In The Light Of Context Theory And Relevance Theory

This thesis attempts to explore a certain stage of interpretation process: pre-interpretation in the light of two theories: context theory and relevance theory. Pre-interpretation stage here refers to the stage before the interpreter produces in the target language what he has received in the source language, i.e. a stage covering the interpreting preparations, active listening in the interpretation process and necessary processing efforts involved. In other words, pre-interpretation work includes all the preparatory work done before the interpreter starts his active listening in the interpretation situation as well as the work done in the process of active listening but before oral production. After a brief introduction to interpretation research in Chapter 1, the writer reviews in the next chapter the two relevant theories as well as the definition and classification of interpretation, and then probes in Chapter 3 into the way the two theories are applied in pre-interpretation. In Chapter 4, the writer discusses the illuminations from the two theories plus schema theory on pre-interpretation work. The following aspects are discussed in detail: 1) discourse framework association before interpretation, 2) encyclopedic knowledge association before interpretation, 3) interpreting settings immersion and construction before interpretation, 4) linguistic anticipation, prediction and speculation in pre-interpretation listening. The writer expounds on those aspects with vivid and comprehensible examples. In Chapter 5, the thesis proposes in accordance with discussions previously made relevant training approaches to interpreter's pre-interpretation work. Finally conclusions are drawn and the limitations of the current study are pointed out and suggestions for further study are made.