Redundancy-Based Anticipation In Simultaneous Interpretation

This study aims to investigate the relationship between redundancy level in source speech and anticipation strategy interpreters adopt in simultaneous interpreting (SI). It is mainly based on a theoretical framework which combines Chernov's probability prediction model, Gile's effort model, relevancy theory and redundancy theories. These above-mentioned theories assist to explain why anticipation is necessary and feasible in SI and how redundancy in source text can exert certain effect on anticipation on the part of simultaneous interpreters.On the basis of the theoretical framework, the author ventures to assume that redundancy in the source text can help the interpreter anticipate and relieve the interpreter's stress and processing load, which is desired by interpreters in such a highly demanding task as SI. By studying five professional interpreters'output of a speech excerpt from English to Chinese, the author seeks to identify the role of redundancy in anticipation in SI scenario.Results of the observational study show: redundancy has a positive role in anticipation in SI tasks and serves as stress reliever for interpreters. Apart from that, an interview with ten professional interpreters conducted with the five participants included, confirms the results. Hence, as a whole, redundancy brings up more satisfactory SI performance. In the meantime, the author wants to highlight redundancy, which is innate in speech, as a useful resource in SI rather than a negative, illogical representation.