Abstract
Most interpreting theories claim that different interpreting types should involve varied processing mechanisms and procedures. However, few studies have examined their underlying differences. Even though some previous results based on quantitative approaches show that different interpreting types yield outputs of varying lexical and syntactic features, the grammatical parsing approach is limited. Language sequences that form without relying on parsing or processing with a specific linguistic approach or grammar excel other quantitative approaches at revealing the sequential behavior of language production. As a non-grammatically-bound unit of language sequences, frequency motif can visualize the local distribution of content and function words, and can also statistically classify languages and identify text types. Thus, the current research investigates the distribution, length and position-dependent properties of frequency motifs across different interpreting outputs in pursuit of the sequential generation behaviors. It is found that the distribution, the length and certain position-dependent properties of the specific language sequences differ significantly across simultaneous interpreting and consecutive interpreting output. The features of frequency motifs manifest that both interpreting output is produced in the manner that abides by the least effort principle. The current research suggests that interpreting types can be differentiated through this type of language sequential unit and offers evidence for how the different task features mediate the sequential organization of interpreting output under different demand to achieve cognitive load minimization.
Highlights
Interpreting is a demanding language processing task for the cognitive system (Moser-Mercer, 2000; Christoffels et al, 2006; Pöchhacker, 2015; Dong, 2018; Liang et al, 2018)
Results are presented in three progressive aspects: (1) a classification of simultaneous interpreting (SI) and consecutive interpreting (CI) output via a comparison of F-motif distribution parameters to fit the ZM models; (2) an investigation of the local distribution of function words in SI and CI by comparing the length of F-motifs; (3) identification of word choice preference in SI and CI by comparing the positiondependent frequencies
The rank frequency of F-motifs in SI and CI are fitted with ZM distribution and the parameters extracted from these models are further analyzed between SI and CI
Summary
Interpreting is a demanding language processing task for the cognitive system (Moser-Mercer, 2000; Christoffels et al, 2006; Pöchhacker, 2015; Dong, 2018; Liang et al, 2018). CI can be described as a two-stage process, that is, the source speech comprehension is followed by the re-expression in another language (Gile, 2009; Pöchhacker, 2011a) This mode of interpreting is performed in such cases where speakers prefer to finish a complete session before he “pauses for interpretation” (Pöchhacker, 2011a), such as in international press conferences. In the framework of the Effort Models for instance, Gile (2009, 2016) outlines two separate stages in CI
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
