A Preliminary Exploration Into A Voice Training Model For Interpreters

Interdisciplinary study has captured wide attention in the academia of interpreting. As an interdisciplinary study, the interpreter's voice quality, though touched upon in some research, has awaited theoretical study. This paper therefore aims to investigate why and how voice training methods can be applied in interpreting by dissecting the voice training theory and the “Effort Model” and, on that basis, attempts to build up a voice training model for interpreters.This paper is a qualitative study exploring the adjustment and modification of the “Effort Model” regarding each of the major elements of voice training for interpreters of various levels, by investigating relevant theories and methods. Meanwhile, some statistics are used to help attest to the importance of voice training for interpreters.Chapter One introduces the key elements of voice training and reviews Daniel Gile's Effort Model, Chapter Two elucidates the importance in this regard, Chapter Three dissects these elements, including posture(when seated and standing), breath, resonance(thoracic, oral, and nasal), loudness, pitch, pause, use of microphones, and emotion, and analyzes the dynamic change in each of the elements for different modes of interpreting, and Chapter Four provides some implications for interpreting studies and teaching.Implications of the study include: 1) on building up a voice training model for interpreters, 2) on curriculum design, pedagogy, and assessment of interpreters, and 3) on self-directed practice for students.