Contextual Adaptation In Interpreting

This paper introduces the tenets of Adaptation Theory from Jef Verschueren's Understanding Pragmatics to explore the complexities of contextual adaptation in interpreting. Verschueren takes a general cognitive, social and cultural perspective on linguistic phenomena. Adaptation Theory states that using language consists of the continuous making of linguistic choices,driven by interlingual and/or extralingual factors.As an act of communication, interpreting is a dynamic process of selection and adaptation to specific contexts. Grounding on the theoretical framework of adaptation, this study expands on key concepts and approaches of adaptation to communicative context and linguistic context in a holistic perspective. Communicative context includes cognitive context, social context, cultural context and physical context while linguistic contextcontains lexical correlates and syntactic correlates. A multitude of intertwined contexts are stimulated and become dynamic as communication unfolds.The author proposes that adaptation is selective in nature. The paper presents a view of Satisfying Adaptation on the Principle of"Good Enough". Contextual adaptation in interpreting aims to maximize information recovery, transfer pragmatic force and facilitatecommunication between interlocutors. Due to the impossibility of full explicitness, limited time and heavy pressure, the interpreter has no sufficient time and effort to select the optimal interpretation. Therefore, the purpose and criterion of interpreting is to select satisfying adaptation in a given time. Resting on Adaptation Theory, the author also puts forward an Adaptation-based Model of Interpreting, vividly reflecting the impact of various contexts on interpreting. Finally, a repertoire of fast and convenient translation strategies and interpreting coping tactics is given to elaborate on the way to abide by Principle of"Good Enough"and achieve satisfying adaptation.