On Simplification In Chinese To English Simultaneous Interpreting

Through empirical studies, this thesis explores whether interpreters will adopt simplification methods in Chinese to English simultaneous interpreting and the effects of simplification.The literature review introduces the Effort Model proposed by Daniel Gile and theories of various scholars on the necessity of simplification in Chinese to English simultaneous interpreting. Researchers acknowledge that simplification can help the listener to know what the speaker is really trying to say.The introduction of theories is followed by an empirical study designed to examine the effects of simplification on Chinese to English simultaneous interpreting. Five second-year GSTI student interpreters participated in the experiment. With evaluation criteria established, statistical analysis is conducted with regards to the performance of the interpreters. Quantitative and qualitative analyses find that interpreters will choose to simplify in Chinese to English simultaneous interpreting.Findings of the study demonstrate that simultaneous interpreters must be fast and efficient. This means that interpreters must have the capacity not only to analyze and resynthesize ideas, but also to do so quickly. Under such duress, the interpreter must choose simplification methods, miss out what they know to be details, include all the important elements, then the interpretation will not be perfect but can still be adequate for the purpose of the meeting.