The Cognitive Approach to the Semantics of the Russian Verbal Prefix Pere-: A Useful Contribution to Consecutive Interpreting?

Abstract

The cognitive approach to the semantics of Russian verbal prefixes (RVPs) defines each of their meanings by virtue of a visual cognitive configuration. Since the process of note-taking in consecutive interpreting (CI) calls for the use of symbols that must be clear, evocative, and unambiguous, the aim of this work is to test whether configurations for RVPs can be effectively repurposed as CI symbols, as a way to help interpreters provide more precise translations of Russian prefixed verbs into a target language. In particular, we will focus on the meaning <TRANSFER> of the RVP pere- in the context of Russian→Italian CI. We will analyze examples of Russian texts that will be translated into CI symbols, using RVP configurations for pere-verbs; on the basis of that, these symbols will in turn be translated into Italian. This way, we hope to provide some useful guidelines for the visual language of CI symbols, so as not to alter the meaning of Russian prefixed verbs when interpreting into Italian.