On Guide-interpreting From The Perspective Of Relevance Theory

Relevance theory is a kind of cognitive communication theory. It claims that communication not only involves coding, transforming and decoding, but also involves cognitive inference. Relevance theory argues that translation is a kind of dual ostensive-inferential communication, the translator being both the listener and the communicator. Interpretation is a special kind of translation, the core of which is to understand and analyze the meaning of words. Guide-interpreting, as one type of interpretation, is also a kind of duel ostensive-inferential communication. The interpreter, as "the middle man" needs to consider the different cognitive environments and cognitive abilities of the speaker and the listener. Based on relevance theory and using the Chinese-to-English interpretational materials as examples, this thesis aims to improve the understanding and effectiveness in guide-interpreting. Under the guidance of relevance theory, the author has made some comparisons between interpretation and translation, and between guide-interpreting and other types of interpretation. The thesis points out the restraining factors in guide-interpreting, including inference, cognitive ability, live interpreting and cross-cultural factors. In light of relevance theory, many translation strategies are put forward in this thesis, which argues, no matter which strategy the interpreter adopts, the key point is to follow the principle of optimal relevance, that is, to help the listener gain a successful contextual understanding with minimal cognitive processing efforts so that effective communication can be achieved. During the process of guide-interpreting, the interpreter should provide enough contextual effect, and consider whether the effect can be achieved in the mind of the listener, ensuring the listener can easily understand the tourist culture information with Chinese characteristics. With important theoretical meaning and practical value, this thesis is helpful in improving the guide-interpreting service.