On Dynamic Correlation Between Memory And Note-taking In Terms Of Effort Allocation In C-E Consecutive Interpreting

This study investigated the correlation between the two important componentsof Consecutive Interpreting (CI), namely, memory and note-taking. The researchquestion of the paper is based on a hypothesis that the effort allocated on memory andnote-taking in CI should be in dynamic correlation instead of an unchanging one.Relevant literature on memory, note-taking, and their correlation was reviewed whilehighlights were given to previous correlation studies. An overview of CI focused onthe attention allocation further provides rationale to this study.The research is a combination of both process and product based study in orderto probe into the correlation of the two elements. Research data were presented from78junior undergraduate students who received training in English translation andinterpreting. The data were from three sources: the first was from participants’background questionnaire; the second was from four C-E testing tasks; the third wasfrom participants’ retrospection. Data analysis was carried out on the participants’scores of the4C-E tasks as well as the quantity and quality of their note symbols; aretrospective questionnaire was administered to obtain information about my subjects’processing problems relevant to effort allocation on memory and note-taking in CI.The findings of the empirical study reveal the dynamic correlation betweenmemory and note-taking in terms of effort allocation in two dimensions.First, interpreters’ effort allocation on memory and note-taking varies to meet thedemand of different types of utterances and interpreting settings. Second, the subjects’performance in terms of memory and note-taking is in a dynamic proportion to thelanguage and interpreting proficiency they have. The limitation of the study was alsodiscussed in the paper.Implications on interpreting training, curriculum design and evaluation werediscussed. The paper concluded with a restatement of the research findings,implications and with suggestions for future research.