An Empirical Study On The Correlation Between Logic Of The Speaker And The EVS Of Simultaneous Interpreters

It is important for simultaneous interpreters to regulate their EVS (or Ear-Voice Span) because it sets the rhythm of the interpreting process. The EVS refers to the time lag between the moment a speech segment is heard and its reformulation in the target language. It can be affected by various factors, including proper names, numbers, fast speeches, strong foreign or regional accent, poor speech logic, etc.This thesis is theoretically based on Daniel Gile’s effort model of interpreting. It studies the correlation between logic of the speaker and the EVS of simultaneous interpreters. Poor logic could be a problem trigger that overtaxes interpreters’ short-term memory. This thesis bases its conclusion on an analysis of interpreters’ performance and relevant data.Both quantitative and qualitative analyses are conducted. In the quantitative part, data are collected from nine simultaneous interpreters. Ten English sentences are selected as samples for analysis. The EVSs of sample sentences and all the sentences are collected and the average EVSs are calculated respectively before a comparative analysis is made. In the qualitative part, several examples of poor speech logic are cited and the translated texts of the interpreters are analyzed before some observations are made. This empirical study concludes that interpreters’ EVS may be prolonged due to poor speech logic in English to Chinese simultaneous interpreting and the interpreters may use a host of tactics and methods, such as waiting, omissions and additions, to cope.