Selection And Adaptation

The adaptation theory is a highly adaptable theory, from which the study of interpretation may draw a lot of enlightenments.Based upon the existent research on adaptation theory, interpretation and context both home and abroad, the present paper proposes that interpretation activity is a process of making choices and adaptation to context. As a language use, interpretation is a dynamic process,in which adaptive choices are made continuously according to the context. The interpreter must take into consideration the adaptation to TL context and the language structure of TL. Interpretation activity on one hand is restrained by linguistic and extra-linguistic contexts, and on the other hand changes the contexts constantly; hence, interpretation activity is a process of dynamic changes.In interpretation, language selection covers every aspect from sound, word, sentence, sign, language code, to style of language, pragmatic meaning, and passage. In order to understand well the meaning of the speaker, both parties of communication must adhere to the adaptation principles and make choices continuously.Dynamic adaptation is viewed as the core of adaptation theory. Contextual adaptation in interpretation should also be regarded as a dynamic process. The present thesis systematically discusses the classification and application of contextual adaptation in interpretation. Each factor in context is likely to affect the understanding of SL and the expression of TL. This paper focuses on three aspects: linguistic context, situational context, and cultural context, and illustrates how an interpreter makes selection and adapts to the context under the guidance of adaptation theory. These three aspects interrelate and interact to each other. Complicated contextual adaptation in interpretation always plays a very important role in interpretation. Interpreters may dynamically adapt to different contexts, linguistic, situational or cultural to achieve their different communicative tasks.The present author concluded the study by suggesting—based on the discussions and illustrations involved in this paper—that the Adaptation Theory is an applicable and effective approach to interpretation studies.