A Study On Information Loss In English-Chinese Consecutive Interpreting

Interpreting is a complex process of information recognition and processing.Interpreting refers not only to the understanding of words and language structures in the source language but also more importantly,the understanding of speech content,including the understanding of language knowledge and other related knowledge(Zhong Weihe,Deng Jie,2014).During the study and practice of interpreting,the author found that interpreting learners may have different degrees of information loss in the processing of information processing during consecutive interpreting.Information loss directly affects the quality of consecutive interpreting and may also have a negative impact on interpreting learners,and can even affect the subsequent consecutive interpreting process.This study is an empirical study with qualitative research methods.The author selected10 interpreting learners(MTI students),using simulated English-Chinese consecutive interpreting and semi-structured interview to collect data in order to research on the following two research questions: 1.What are the characteristics of the information loss in the process of English-Chinese consecutive interpreting? 2.What are the reasons why interpreting learners lose information in English-Chinese consecutive interpreting?Under the guidance of Gile's Cognitive Load Model theory,the author analyzed and summarized the results of the simulated consecutive interpreting and the semi-structured interview and it is found that the characteristics of information loss include the following happenings: when the interpreting information includes names or titles,when the information is dense or the sentence structure is complex,when there are terms,encyclopedic or professional knowledge,when number interpreting occurs.The reasons for the information loss include: the subjective reasons of the inadequate listening comprehension ability,unskilled interpreting note-taking,the influence of mentality,imperfect knowledge structure,insufficient bilingual conversion ability,and the objective reason of the speaker's accent.Two kinds of interpreting materials were used in this study in order to avoid the singularity and contingency.The themes are different,and the speakers have different accentsas well.The author conducted a pilot study to ensure the reliability and validity of the study.This study bears theoretical values and practical usage,and it contributes to the relevant research of interpretation,and may assist interpreting practice,teaching and training.