Empirical Research On The Impact Of Nonverbal Behavior On Consecutive Interpreting Performance

This is an empirical study on the impact of nonverbal behavior in consecutive interpreting.Under the theoretical framework of Poyatos' nonverbal behavior model, Interpretive Theory and Gile's Effort Model,the author carried out two experiments, with an aim to explore three research questions:(1) Does nonverbal behavior exert any impact on consecutive interpreting? If yes,how does it affect the consecutive interpreting process?(2) In the experiment,did interpreters with proper nonverbal behavior outperform those with inadequate nonverbal behavior?(3) What is the relation between nonverbal behavior and consecutive interpreting performance?In this study,the impact of nonverbal behavior is examined by the comparison of 20 student interpreters' consecutive interpreting performance of two passages with the help of SPSS 16.0.Other empirical studies such as questionnaire,interview and naturalistic research are also applied for the analysis of nonverbal behavior occurred during interpreting process from the prospective of both the users and the interpreters in qualitative and qualitative methods.Data and result analysis shows that(1) nonverbal behavior exerts indispensable impact on consecutive interpreting;(2) interpreters with proper nonverbal behavior outperform those with inadequate nonverbal behaviors in delivering messages more effectively;and(3) nonverbal behavior influences interpreter's performance in their comprehension,d(?)verbalization,and production process.Above all,proper nonverbal behavior of interpreter indeed plays a positive role in facilitating interpreters during consecutive interpreting.Based on the experiment findings,the present thesis suggested the necessity of nonverbal behavior introduction in interpreting training and put forward "microinterpreting" as a teaching method to help facilitate student interpreters' nonverbal abilities.The author also wishes to raise the novice and experienced interpreters' awareness of proper nonverbal behavior during consecutive interpreting.