An Empirical Study On Interpreters’ Pauses In Simultaneous Interpreting

We were given much exposure to high-demanding simultaneous interpreting forone year study of theories and practice. It is an impressive experience in MockConference Interpreting Class, which was recorded by advanced equipment. Theauthor noted that pauses happened all the time during the process of analysing theserecordings. Based on the cooperation study theory and the remarkable work byancestors, an empirical study on eight students’ recordings analysed and classifiedfactors of pauses in simultaneous interpreting, i.e., unavoidable factors: rhythm, breath,syntax, and avoidable factors: hesitation, difficult words, and nervousness. Theunavoidable pauses are beyond interpreters’ measure of control. For this reason, thestudy does not continue the research in this aspect. Actually, this study puts particularemphasis on those disfluencies without any grammatical or communicative functions,such as hesitation pauses, repeat and voice lengthening. It is hoped that this study willcontribute to the decrease of unavoidable pauses in simultaneous interpreting.