Note-taking in consecutive interpreting: New data from pen recording

Sijia Chen

doi:10.12807/ti.109201.2017.a02

Abstract

Note-taking provides a unique opportunity to investigate consecutive interpreting (CI). This study approaches note-taking from a cognitive perspective, combining product analysis with the process research method of pen recording. It investigates such variables as the choice of form, the choice of language, the relationship between note-taking and interpreting performance, and the relationship between note-taking and cognitive load in CI. In the context of CI between Chinese and English, the study finds that interpreters prefer language to symbol, abbreviation to full word, and English to Chinese regardless of the direction of interpreting. Interpreting performance is not directly related to either the quantity or the quality of notes; it is a function of both. Pen recording appears to be a powerful method to tap into the process of note-taking and CI, and the collected data could potentially serve as useful indicators of cognitive load.

Highlights

The research interest in cognitive processing in translation and interpreting is increasing, but the focus on consecutive interpreting (CI) is very limited to date
Note-taking is a distinctive feature of CI i, and provides a unique opportunity to investigate the interpreting process
This study attempts to address that limitation by combining product analysis with an investigation into the interpreting process

Summary

Introduction

The research interest in cognitive processing in translation and interpreting is increasing, but the focus on consecutive interpreting (CI) is very limited to date. Note-taking is a distinctive feature of CI i , and provides a unique opportunity to investigate the interpreting process. This study attempts to address that limitation by combining product analysis with an investigation into the interpreting process. Using pen recording and a software called the Eye and Penii, pen data during the notetaking process are recorded in great details. Pen strokes are measured in terms of distance, duration, and speed. Such a recording tells us what interpreters’ note-taking choices are, and shows us how interpreters carry i In this article, CI refers to long consecutive where systematic note-taking is used. Ii The website of the software is http://www.eyeandpen.net Such a recording tells us what interpreters’ note-taking choices are, and shows us how interpreters carry i In this article, CI refers to long consecutive where systematic note-taking is used. ii The website of the software is http://www.eyeandpen.net

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion