The Application Of Elaboration Addition In English-Chinese Consecutive Interpreting

This thesis is a case study on elaboration addition as a strategy applied in EnglishChinese consecutive interpreting.The research questions are as follows: what are the possible scenarios for the application of elaboration addition? What are the possible causes and solutions?The case used in this thesis is the Chinese to English consecutive interpretation of Oxford Programmes in Leadership and Public Policy.When British professors mentioned concepts that are popular in the west,they seldom elaborated on them,expecting the Chinese audience to be already familiar with them.In order to facilitate audience's comprehension,the author elaborated on those concepts during interpreting,using the strategy of elaboration addition.Different scenarios occurred when elaboration addition was applied.In terms of accuracy,the author delivered accurate,partly accurate,and inaccurate elaboration additions.In terms of duration,some elaboration additions were proper while others were lengthy.The causes for inappropriate elaboration additions were: the author lacked clear understanding of the concepts;the author did not ask the speaker to clarify or look up the concepts on site;the concepts themselves were too vague to be communicated.To improve the accuracy of elaboration addition,interpreters may: make thorough preparation;look up unfamiliar terms on site or ask the speaker to clarify;or revise the previous interpretation after gaining more information.To control the duration,interpreters may: use simple examples rather than explaining the definition;or inform the audience of additional information in interpreting and hope they would understand.While elaboration addition may be a useful strategy in consecutive interpreting,interpreters should refrain from overusing it.Any additional information in interpreting should serve the purpose of faithful communication.