On Auditory Anxiety In English-Chinese Consecutive Interpretation Within The Framework Of The Schema Theory

Studies on interpretation have made rapid progress thanks to wide attention from linguistic and translation circles. Various kinds of interdisciplinary studies have also begun, one of which is reflected in the application of theories of psychology to the analysis of problems occurring in the field of interpretation study. Interpreting anxiety, though still in its initial stage of research, has attracted wide interest and been considered as an area for further exploration. Meanwhile, scholars also begin to apply the schema theory to the interpretation studies. However, studies on auditory anxiety within the framework of schema theory are still rare. The present paper tries to explore into the issue of auditory anxiety in a comprehensive manner, including the definition, the sources and the impact on interpretation. Based on the schema theory, the author also discusses the facilitative roles of schema in reducing anxiety and improving interpreting. To be specific, this study addresses the following questions:What are the sources of auditory anxiety? What are the facilitative roles of schemata in reducing auditory anxiety and improving interpretation? Based on the literature review, data analysis, and several small experiments, the author comes to the following conclusions. Firstly, the author has divided the causes into two major categories, namely psychological factors and linguistic factors. The former involves negative mental state, passive listening, difficulties in listening comprehension, attention distraction and so on, on the part of the interpreter. The latter involves confusions resulting from complex grammar, strong accents, fast speaking rate, complicated vocabulary and heavy information load. Secondly, pre-existing schemata can help reduce auditory anxiety in the interpreting process. And different schemata may serve as an ambiguity eliminator to choose the possible meaning, and as the anticipator to predict the possible following information, and relevant schemata may act as the memory enhancer to improve interpreters’ memory and as the time saver to help interpreters save the precious time by memorizing the sense quickly. This paper will provide enlightenment for interpreters and learners as to how to consciously apply their mental schemata properly to their interpreting activities.