A Study On Chinese Noun Phrases With Multiple Pre-attributives In C-E Interpreting

This thesis addresses the treatment of noun phrases with multiple pre-attributives in Chinese-English (C-E) interpreting.There exist a lot of noun phrases with multiple pre-attributives in Chinese. Multiple pre-attributives are usually long and complex in terms of logical relations, which might be a potential problem trigger in C-E interpreting. When analyzing the reasons for the failure of interpreting, Gile pointed out that multiple pre-attributives and embedded sentences are two main reasons for the failure. So the treatment of noun phrases with multiple pre-attributives to some extent determines the performance of C-E interpreting. Dealing with noun phrases with multiple pre-attributives tactically can help the interpreter allocate the energy and time efficiently in the process of interpreting and improve the quality of interpreting.Based on the Functionalist Translation Theory, Daniel Gile's Effort Model and Schema Theory, this thesis observes the techniques used in dealing with multiple pre-attributives in C-E interpreting. The data for observation and analysis are transcripts of real-time C-E interpreting materials in source language(SL)and in target language(TL).This thesis summarizes the frequently used techniques through an observational study. It also elaborates on the reasons for the adoption of such techniques as well as the impact on the performance.The major findings made in this research can be summarized as follows:1. The major difference between Chinese noun phrases with multiple pre-attributives and their counterparts in English is the structural difference, to be more specific, the word order. This difference, which mainly results from the different logics in Chinese and English, is a stumbling stone for interpreters and to some extent determines the quality of the interpreting. So it is reasonable to conclude and construe interpreting techniques of Chinese noun phrases with multiple pre-attributives through a contrastive approach based on the difference of word order.2. There are some commonly used techniques of interpreting Chinese noun phrases with multiple pre-attributives into English, such as the use of preposition structure (40%), linear interpreting(19%), omission (14%), attributive clauses (7%), amplification (3%), paraphrasing (3%), conversion of word order(3%), non-verb forms(3%), segmentation(2%), and fusion(1%) and combination of different techniques(5%). And the order of most of the multiple pre-attributives has been changed when interpreted into English.3. Proper employment of these techniques can help the interpreter allocate the finite processing capacity reasonably, contribute to ameliorating interpreting quality, and achieve the communicative purpose effectively.4. Schemas can help us massively reduce the burden on working memory. Once a schema has been acquired, it can undergo a process of automation. Full automation should occur well after a new rule has been learned and understood. The techniques of interpreting Chinese noun phrases with multiple pre-attributives, once converted into schemas stored in the interpreter's brain, can substantially help achieve better interpreting performance.This thesis is a tentative study of the techniques dealing with Chinese multiple pre-attributives, which can shed some light on interpreting teaching and practice.