英语口译教程英语口译教程Lecture One: An OverviewLecture One: An Overview

Lecturers: YU Hongliang, Xu Zhan, Zhang Yan, Tang Lei

Interpretation CourseInterpretation Course

Course Objectives: Course Objectives: Introduces learners to skills and processes required to Introduces learners to skills and processes required to

produce consecutive interpretations. produce consecutive interpretations. Focuses on developing basic cognitive, semantic, and Focuses on developing basic cognitive, semantic, and

dual tasking abilities required to interpret rehearsed dual tasking abilities required to interpret rehearsed and/or spontaneous texts. and/or spontaneous texts.

Train learners to incorporate semantic choice, register, Train learners to incorporate semantic choice, register, and ethical behavioral decisions and understand how and ethical behavioral decisions and understand how they impact their interpretations. they impact their interpretations.

Time allotment:Time allotment: 1 semester (36 periods); two periods 1 semester (36 periods); two periods per weekper week

Unit 0Unit 0

Types of interpretingTypes of interpreting A Brief history of conference interpreting as a modern A Brief history of conference interpreting as a modern

professionprofession What Makes A Good Interpreter? What Makes A Good Interpreter? Professional Code of ConductProfessional Code of Conduct

Types of Interpreting Types of Interpreting

Conference Interpreting: Simultaneous /ConsecutiveConference Interpreting: Simultaneous /Consecutive

Most frequently used for large conferences or Most frequently used for large conferences or meetings, simultaneous interpreting requires that meetings, simultaneous interpreting requires that the linguist “translate” what the speaker is the linguist “translate” what the speaker is saying, as they speak. saying, as they speak.

Thus, the interpreter is both listening and Thus, the interpreter is both listening and speaking at the same time. This takes intense speaking at the same time. This takes intense concentration; simultaneous interpreters often concentration; simultaneous interpreters often work in teams, taking breaks every 30 minutes or work in teams, taking breaks every 30 minutes or so. so.

Simultaneous interpreting generally requires Simultaneous interpreting generally requires equipment such as microphones, headsets, and in equipment such as microphones, headsets, and in some instances booths.some instances booths.

Consecutive InterpretingConsecutive Interpreting

Most appropriate in a smaller setting, Most appropriate in a smaller setting, the speaker will speak for a few minutes the speaker will speak for a few minutes (a few paragraphs), then pause. (a few paragraphs), then pause.

The interpreter takes notes and then The interpreter takes notes and then translates the speaker's message during translates the speaker's message during the pause. the pause.

The key element in consecutive The key element in consecutive interpreting is note taking: the interpreting is note taking: the interpreter must record ideas and then interpreter must record ideas and then translate them back into the words of translate them back into the words of another language without pause.another language without pause.

Escort InterpretingEscort InterpretingAnother form of consecutive interpreting is Another form of consecutive interpreting is often called escort interpreting. If you are often called escort interpreting. If you are hosting a delegation of visitors from another hosting a delegation of visitors from another country, you may want to use the services of country, you may want to use the services of an escort interpreter for meeting clients at an escort interpreter for meeting clients at the airport, city tours, and shopping the airport, city tours, and shopping excursions. excursions.

Escort interpreters generally translate Escort interpreters generally translate informal conversations.informal conversations.

A Brief history of conference interpreting as a A Brief history of conference interpreting as a modern professionmodern profession

The oldest and youngest profession.The oldest and youngest profession.At the time the course was founded, At the time the course was founded,

conference interpreter training was still in conference interpreter training was still in its infancy with the first simultaneous its infancy with the first simultaneous interpretation having been used after World interpretation having been used after World War II at the Nuremburg Trials (English, War II at the Nuremburg Trials (English, French, Russian and German). French, Russian and German).

In the interwar years consecutive In the interwar years consecutive interpretation alone was provided at interpretation alone was provided at International gatherings, such as at International gatherings, such as at meetings of the League of Nations in Geneva meetings of the League of Nations in Geneva where English and French were used. where English and French were used.

The first interpreters were not trained but entered tThe first interpreters were not trained but entered the profession on the strength of their mastery of lahe profession on the strength of their mastery of languages, prodigious memory, and their impressivelnguages, prodigious memory, and their impressively broad cultural background. Some of the legendary broad cultural background. Some of the legendary figures of the world of interpreting include Jean y figures of the world of interpreting include Jean HERBERT, André KAMINKER and Prince ConstantiHERBERT, André KAMINKER and Prince Constantin ANDRONIKOF, who was personal interpreter to Gn ANDRONIKOF, who was personal interpreter to Général de Gaulle and one of the founders of AIIC, wénéral de Gaulle and one of the founders of AIIC, which was established in 1953. hich was established in 1953.

With the setting up of international and European oWith the setting up of international and European organizations (United Nations-1945, Council of Eurorganizations (United Nations-1945, Council of Europe-1949, European Community-1957) there was a grpe-1949, European Community-1957) there was a growing need for a much larger number of trained prowing need for a much larger number of trained professionals. To meet this continuing challenge, the ofessionals. To meet this continuing challenge, the course has expanded and now encompasses the lancourse has expanded and now encompasses the languages of the European Union including accession guages of the European Union including accession countries and the UN family.countries and the UN family.

Two historical events stimulated the Two historical events stimulated the development of the profession.development of the profession. The Paris Peace Conference of 1919;The Paris Peace Conference of 1919; The Nuremberg Trials of Nazi war criminals.The Nuremberg Trials of Nazi war criminals.

The symbols of the formal The symbols of the formal establishment of conference establishment of conference interpretation as a profession:interpretation as a profession: The first interpreting school was set up in The first interpreting school was set up in

1950 in Geneva, Switzerland;1950 in Geneva, Switzerland; AIIC, the International Association of AIIC, the International Association of

Conference Interpreters, was founded on Nov. 11, Conference Interpreters, was founded on Nov. 11, 1953 with its Secretariat in Geneva.1953 with its Secretariat in Geneva.

Interpreting, as an internationally Interpreting, as an internationally recognized profession, began to take recognized profession, began to take shape only around the turn of the shape only around the turn of the twentieth century. twentieth century.

Chronologically, Consecutive Chronologically, Consecutive Interpreting (CI) antedates Interpreting (CI) antedates Simultaneous Interpreting (SI). The Simultaneous Interpreting (SI). The Paris Peace Conference of 1919 was Paris Peace Conference of 1919 was conventionally cited as consecutive conventionally cited as consecutive interpreting official debut .interpreting official debut .

Between the two World Wars, Between the two World Wars, consecutive interpreting had consecutive interpreting had predominant status. predominant status.

The first attempt to introduce SI was made shThe first attempt to introduce SI was made shortly before the Second World War. SI was firsortly before the Second World War. SI was first patented as a technique by IBM in 1926, and t patented as a technique by IBM in 1926, and its first implementation (in whisper form) waits first implementation (in whisper form) was at Geneva in a tentative form in 1927 and, on s at Geneva in a tentative form in 1927 and, on a larger scale, in the former USSR in 1928 for ta larger scale, in the former USSR in 1928 for the Sixth Congress of Comintern. he Sixth Congress of Comintern.

However, it was during the Nuremberg trials However, it was during the Nuremberg trials of the Nazi war criminals, which were conducof the Nazi war criminals, which were conducted in English, French, Russian, and German tted in English, French, Russian, and German that real full-scale simultaneous interpretatiohat real full-scale simultaneous interpretations was first used. From 1947 onward, simultans was first used. From 1947 onward, simultaneous interpretation had come to stay at the neous interpretation had come to stay at the United Nations. United Nations.

In the years after the Second World War, In the years after the Second World War, with the establishment of the United with the establishment of the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Organization of Economic Cooperation Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and many other and Development (OECD) and many other international organs, there was a growing international organs, there was a growing need for new interpreters to join the need for new interpreters to join the ranks of the first generation of highly ranks of the first generation of highly skilled but untrained conference skilled but untrained conference interpreters. interpreters.

Several training institutions were founded Several training institutions were founded in Europe. Since then the training in Europe. Since then the training institutions for conference interpreter institutions for conference interpreter have sprung all over the world.have sprung all over the world.

The earliest establishment of “interpreting offThe earliest establishment of “interpreting officials“ in China goes as far back as the Zhou Dicials“ in China goes as far back as the Zhou Dynasty (1100--770 BC). ynasty (1100--770 BC).

According to written records, there was an offiAccording to written records, there was an official post called “cial post called “ 寄”寄” , “, “ 象”象” , “, “ 译” 译” and “and “ 象象胥首” 胥首” , “, “ 重译” 重译” and “and “ 舌人” 舌人” respectively in trespectively in the eastern, western, southern and northern pahe eastern, western, southern and northern part of China. These interpreting officials had, at rt of China. These interpreting officials had, at that time, dual function: interpreting for internthat time, dual function: interpreting for internal and external purposes. al and external purposes.

The internal purpose referred to the interpretiThe internal purpose referred to the interpreting activities between the central imperial governg activities between the central imperial government and the various ethnic nationalities, whinment and the various ethnic nationalities, while the external purpose was for communication le the external purpose was for communication between the central imperial government and ibetween the central imperial government and its neighboring states. ts neighboring states.

The oral form of translation came into beiThe oral form of translation came into being earlier than the written translation, whing earlier than the written translation, which appeared in ancient China in the Spring ch appeared in ancient China in the Spring and Autumn period (770 – 476 BC). and Autumn period (770 – 476 BC).

However, regarding the training of confereHowever, regarding the training of conference interpreters, China is a relatively newcnce interpreters, China is a relatively newcomer; the People's Republic of China did nomer; the People's Republic of China did not start until the late 1970s. ot start until the late 1970s.

The first such programme began in BeijinThe first such programme began in Beijing after China was accepted as working lang after China was accepted as working language of the UN.guage of the UN.

The profession of conference interpreting The profession of conference interpreting was formally introduced into China with thwas formally introduced into China with the establishment of the United Nations Traine establishment of the United Nations Training Programme for Interpreters and Transling Programme for Interpreters and Translators in 1979. ators in 1979.

Set up as a joint project between the UN and Set up as a joint project between the UN and the Chinese government to train professionthe Chinese government to train professionals for the United Nations, the programme tals for the United Nations, the programme turned out 98 interpreters (out of 217 graduaurned out 98 interpreters (out of 217 graduates), many of whom are now working for the tes), many of whom are now working for the UN and other international organisations, sUN and other international organisations, some for the Chinese government, and a few ome for the Chinese government, and a few as full-time freelances.as full-time freelances.

In 1994, the UN programme was reconstituted In 1994, the UN programme was reconstituted as the Graduate School of Translation and Intas the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation of Beijing Foreign Studies Universerpretation of Beijing Foreign Studies University (“Bei Wai“). ity (“Bei Wai“).

It continues to offer a two-year course of profIt continues to offer a two-year course of professional training in conference interpreting aessional training in conference interpreting at the MA level, but its graduates (32 in conferet the MA level, but its graduates (32 in conference interpreting out of 57 to date) are now resnce interpreting out of 57 to date) are now responsible for securing their own employment. ponsible for securing their own employment.

Most become staff interpreters or officers in gMost become staff interpreters or officers in government ministries and agencies, with a miovernment ministries and agencies, with a minority taking positions in the private sector; it nority taking positions in the private sector; it is still rare for a graduate to go freelance.is still rare for a graduate to go freelance.

To date, the majority of China's professional iTo date, the majority of China's professional interpreters have been trained at Bei Wai, but nterpreters have been trained at Bei Wai, but these make up only a fraction of the large nuthese make up only a fraction of the large number of practitioners, including government mber of practitioners, including government officers and corporate personnel who perforofficers and corporate personnel who perform interpretation duties.m interpretation duties.

Now as we are approaching the 21st Now as we are approaching the 21st century, the globalization of the world century, the globalization of the world economy has become an irreversible economy has become an irreversible trend.trend. Economic activities such as investment, banking, Economic activities such as investment, banking,

business and trade are increasing rapidly, the business and trade are increasing rapidly, the transformation of science and technology and the transformation of science and technology and the training of personnel continue apace, and international training of personnel continue apace, and international exchanges in politics, foreign affairs and culture are exchanges in politics, foreign affairs and culture are flourishing. All of these would be impossible without the flourishing. All of these would be impossible without the involvement of interpreters and translators.involvement of interpreters and translators.

Furthermore, with the implementation of economic Furthermore, with the implementation of economic reform and its opening up policy, China' s demand for reform and its opening up policy, China' s demand for qualified interpreters and translators has become all the qualified interpreters and translators has become all the more urgent.more urgent.

Practice TextsPractice Texts

Reading: The Art of InterpretingReading: The Art of InterpretingBerris makes a distinction between translation and interpreting, and she looBerris makes a distinction between translation and interpreting, and she looks at a host of potential problems that can impede intercultural communicatiks at a host of potential problems that can impede intercultural communication. Among the more serious issues is the problem of not having enough inteon. Among the more serious issues is the problem of not having enough interpreters for long sessions. She also discusses the importance of proper prerpreters for long sessions. She also discusses the importance of proper preparation, the differences between precise translations and simple paraphrasiparation, the differences between precise translations and simple paraphrasing, and nonverbal communication and its role in interpretive eventsng, and nonverbal communication and its role in interpretive events..

Listening: At the Shoulder of HistoryListening: At the Shoulder of HistoryAn interview of the BBC correspondent with world famous interpreters. ListeAn interview of the BBC correspondent with world famous interpreters. Listen to the recording 2- 3 times and you will gain a better understanding of the n to the recording 2- 3 times and you will gain a better understanding of the profession. profession.

The Art of InterpretingThe Art of Interpreting

Interpreting, is a physically exhausting and often emotionally Interpreting, is a physically exhausting and often emotionally draining art. But those who work with interpreters can do a great draining art. But those who work with interpreters can do a great deal to help maximize the interpreter’s effectiveness and minimize deal to help maximize the interpreter’s effectiveness and minimize his or her weaknesses.his or her weaknesses.

—— ——JAN CAROL BERRIS JAN CAROL BERRIS former Vice President offormer Vice President of

the National Commission on U.S. – China Relationsthe National Commission on U.S. – China Relations

Jan Carol BerrisJan Carol Berris

Jan Carol Berris has been with the National ComJan Carol Berris has been with the National Committee on United States-China Relations since 197mittee on United States-China Relations since 1971 - first as program associate, then program direct1 - first as program associate, then program director, then vice president. She is responsible for direcor, then vice president. She is responsible for directing all program activities of the Committee. ting all program activities of the Committee. Ms. Berris has been actively involved in preparatiMs. Berris has been actively involved in preparation and operations for the visits to the United Stateon and operations for the visits to the United States of hundreds of Chinese delegations, including ths of hundreds of Chinese delegations, including the 1972 Chinese Ping Pong Team, the first PRC gre 1972 Chinese Ping Pong Team, the first PRC group to come to this country. oup to come to this country. At the request of the State Department she coordinAt the request of the State Department she coordinated Chinese press activities during Premier Deng ated Chinese press activities during Premier Deng Xiaoping's February 1979 visit to the United StateXiaoping's February 1979 visit to the United States. And she has overseen the visits of hundreds of As. And she has overseen the visits of hundreds of American delegations to China. She herself has travmerican delegations to China. She herself has traveled to China about seventy times since 1973, with eled to China about seventy times since 1973, with people and groups as diverse as a tennis team and people and groups as diverse as a tennis team and a Supreme Court Justice. a Supreme Court Justice.

http://www.ncuscr.org/articlesandspeeches/Articlesandspeeches.htm

I. What Makes A Good Interpreter?I. What Makes A Good Interpreter? Bilingualism and biculturalismBilingualism and biculturalism

A good command of both languages and alertness to their A good command of both languages and alertness to their constant evolution is the foundation of effective constant evolution is the foundation of effective interpreting. interpreting.

A good interpreter is more than a translator of words, A good interpreter is more than a translator of words, since language skills are only a part of the process of since language skills are only a part of the process of communication. Biculturalism sensitivity to cultural and communication. Biculturalism sensitivity to cultural and social differences is often as important as bilingualism. social differences is often as important as bilingualism.

Another important aspect of biculturalism is knowing Another important aspect of biculturalism is knowing what makes people laugh in the other culture. what makes people laugh in the other culture.

Political sensitivity is also an essential aspect of Political sensitivity is also an essential aspect of biculturalism.biculturalism.

Bilingualism and biculturalism can be learned though Bilingualism and biculturalism can be learned though often only by a process of osmosis during long years often only by a process of osmosis during long years of study and/or living in another country. But there are of study and/or living in another country. But there are other, more innate characteristics that contribute to other, more innate characteristics that contribute to the making of a good interpreter. the making of a good interpreter.

A special kind of personality, or a somewhat A special kind of personality, or a somewhat

schizophrenic one.schizophrenic one. and aggressive enough to be relaxedand aggressive enough to be relaxed of submerging their own egos and take on the of submerging their own egos and take on the

personalities of the speakerspersonalities of the speakers

Projection Projection Being able to do two (or more) things at one time Being able to do two (or more) things at one time

is important.is important. Listen; Listen; Jot down key words to jog their memories; Jot down key words to jog their memories; Look up unknown words in a small dictionary Look up unknown words in a small dictionary

(which usually appears magically out of a pocket); (which usually appears magically out of a pocket); Juggling notebook and dictionary, write down the Juggling notebook and dictionary, write down the

unfamiliar word so if it is repeated later the unfamiliar word so if it is repeated later the dictionary will not have to be hauled out again. dictionary will not have to be hauled out again.

And speaking of writing things down, interpreterAnd speaking of writing things down, interpreters should always carry notebooks and use them. s should always carry notebooks and use them.

Obviously interpreters should be matched to specObviously interpreters should be matched to specific jobsific jobs

II. THE INTERPRETING SITUATIONII. THE INTERPRETING SITUATION Preparation Preparation PacingPacing Precision Versus ParaphrasePrecision Versus Paraphrase

The interpreter should always be given a sense of how The interpreter should always be given a sense of how precise a translation is expected. precise a translation is expected.

Another aspect of this issue is when to translate and whAnother aspect of this issue is when to translate and when to leave people alone. en to leave people alone.

Sometimes we encounter interpreters who feel the need fSometimes we encounter interpreters who feel the need for great precision and will take several seconds (which or great precision and will take several seconds (which always seem like eons to listeners) to think of the word oalways seem like eons to listeners) to think of the word or phrase carrying the precise nuance of the situation. r phrase carrying the precise nuance of the situation.

Another kind of interpreter is the paraphraser or editor Another kind of interpreter is the paraphraser or editor who tends to give the gist of what the speaker is saying, who tends to give the gist of what the speaker is saying, ignoring the details.ignoring the details.

Supplying Background Supplying Background InformationInformation

Sometimes, trying to be helpful and fill in gaps in the Sometimes, trying to be helpful and fill in gaps in the audience's understanding, interpreters will add background audience's understanding, interpreters will add background

information not supplied by the speakerinformation not supplied by the speaker..

Length of Speech UnitsLength of Speech Units

Invisibility of InterpretersInvisibility of InterpretersInterpreters should confine themselves to facilitating Interpreters should confine themselves to facilitating communication, and not (except in unusual situations) add communication, and not (except in unusual situations) add their own personal comments.their own personal comments.

Direction of TranslationDirection of Translation NumbersNumbers Translating SubstanceTranslating Substance QuestionsQuestions Nonverbal CommunicationNonverbal Communication Helping with ProblemsHelping with Problems

Qualifications of a good interpreterQualifications of a good interpreter

Knowledge of the general subject of the speeches Knowledge of the general subject of the speeches that are to be interpreted. that are to be interpreted.

General erudition and intimate familiarity with both General erudition and intimate familiarity with both cultures. cultures.

Extensive vocabulary in both languages.Extensive vocabulary in both languages. Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely in Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely in

both languages. both languages. Excellent note-taking technique for consecutive Excellent note-taking technique for consecutive

interpreting. interpreting. At least 2-3 years of booth experience for At least 2-3 years of booth experience for

simultaneous interpreting. simultaneous interpreting.

ListeningListening

An interview of the BBC correspondent with world An interview of the BBC correspondent with world famous interpreters. famous interpreters. Listen Listen to the following recording to the following recording 2- 3 times and you will gain a better understanding of 2- 3 times and you will gain a better understanding of the profession.the profession.

Professional Code of ConductProfessional Code of Conduct

Serve the interest of their organization;Serve the interest of their organization; Scrupulously observe the secrecy to which they are already bound Scrupulously observe the secrecy to which they are already bound

to their professional code;to their professional code; Maintain the professional standards of their work by keeping Maintain the professional standards of their work by keeping

abreast of organization activities, of subjects under discussion and abreast of organization activities, of subjects under discussion and of relevant terminology;of relevant terminology;

Prepare for meetings with the help of duly supplied documents and Prepare for meetings with the help of duly supplied documents and by obtaining additional papers for meetings of exceptional by obtaining additional papers for meetings of exceptional technical or linguistic difficulty;technical or linguistic difficulty;

Liaise with free-lance interpreters, when called upon to do so;Liaise with free-lance interpreters, when called upon to do so; Act as interpreters outside the organization only with the latter's Act as interpreters outside the organization only with the latter's

consent and in compliance with the local working conditions of consent and in compliance with the local working conditions of free-lance interpreters who are AIIC members.free-lance interpreters who are AIIC members.