An Effort Model Perspective-The Effect Of Preparation Before Interpretation On The Quality Of Interpreting

The paper discusses the effect of preparation before interpretation(PBI) on the quality of interpreting based on Danial Gile's effort model for consecutive interpreting. PBI here in the current paper refers to theme-based preparation instead of preparation simply for the expression of terminologies and technical words in the target language. PBI is facilitating the comprehension of the interpreter.Though comprehension is not directly reflected in the effort model,it is affecting the capacity available for each of the efforts including listening and analysis,note-taking,memory and coordination. Since the capacity required by each effort is reduced as a result of PBI,the total capacity available is relatively increased,and the whole process becomes less stressful for the interpreter and the quality of the interpretation is therefore improved.In order to prove the effect of PBI on the quality of interpreting and to show through which factors is such effect realized,a comparative experiment is carried out. In the experiment,a whole class of 29 subjects is asked to interpret two texts,with and without PBI as is mentioned in the paper respectively in the three phrases,namely the pre-test,the repeated test and the contrast test.The 29 subjects are junior students from the School of Interpreting and Translation Studies,Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.They have received basic interpreting training starting from the second year and have therefore mastered some basic interpreting skills.Some supplementary experiments include cloze tests which aim to exam the subjects' memory and the effectiveness of note-taking in relation to PBI and a questionnaire research which enable the author to have a general understanding of the subjects'PBI work.The results reveal significant improvement in the subjects' comprehension, memory and note-taking,background knowledge after the PBI work is done.In terms of interpreting teaching,PBI is expected to receive more attention during the process of training.It is suggested that PBI skill-led courses be included in the interpreting curriculum and more accesses to different topical knowledge be available to the students.