Approaches To The Common Obstacles And Strategies In Interpreting

Interpreting functions as a bridge in cross-cultural communication. An interpreter, asan important vehicle for interpreting, is supposed to transfer not only the contents of thespeaker, but also the underlying meaning of the speech and the effects of thecommunication. However, an interpreter can not achieve full effects of thecommunication due to the differences between the two languages. Interpreting is anexchange activity of transferring one language to another as well as a cross-culturalactivity. Comparing with translation, interpreting is much more flexible in terms ofstructure, words and expression, which can be accomplished combining with gesturesand facial expressions. This is also defined by its features: instantaneity, uncertainty,independence and high pressure.Interpretation is not only a simple bilingual process of transferring meaning, butalso a communicative activity that exchanges underlying cultural connotations, which isunpredictable. As an interpreter, he or she has to think and speak at the same time withlimited time and under great pressure, in particular when the occasion is a serious andformal one. Interpreters have to work independently even though sometimes they taketurns with other co-workers. As an interpreter, one must be able to observe and capturenon-language factors, such as facial expressions, body languages and emotional changes;to recognize different accents; to speak mother tongue and foreign language fluently, toexpress ideas accurately. During interpreting, skills of taking notes and quickunderstanding are strongly demanded.Interpreters ought to transfer what they hear from the speaker to the audience in away that they have access to. When facing information involved with special culturalbackground, interpreters have the ability to complete the interpreting effectively andcorrectly. This requires a strong language foundation, flexible command of interpretingskills, outstanding speech skills from the interpreter, so that he or she can handle theobstacles in the interpreting process. In addition, preparation is also a key point to thesuccess of the interpreting.The most challenging work for the interpreters is how to respond to the obstacles intime, and quickly find a way to tackle them. Many of the specialists, scholars, professorsand interpreters have been studying on the difficult points in interpreting, and try to conclude with some solutions. This thesis systematically analyzes how to handle theobstacles in interpreting and how to maximize interpreter’s capability to transfer theoriginal contents to the audience with effect. It firstly summarizes the features ofinterpreting, and then puts forward the barriers that may exist while doing interpretation.At last, this thesis comes up with effective preparation methods and strategies to respondto those obstacles.