Discussion Questions for Simultaneous Interpreting

 

Introduction to Simultaneous Interpreting:

 

  1. Why were the simultaneous interpreters at the Nuremberg trials considered pioneers in the field of interpreting?

 

  1. Why is it important to practice the component skills in the interpreting process while learning to interpret?

 

  1. Why are strong word recognition skills important for interpreters?

 

  1. Why is control of attention important for interpreters?

 

  1. Neubert (2000) says approximation is important. What is it and why is it important?

 

Unit 1: Consecutive Interpreting

 

  1. What are the main differences between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?

 

  1. What is the main advantage of using consecutive interpreting?

 

  1. What role does studying consecutive interpreting play in the development of simultaneous interpreting skills?

 

  1. Why would studying consecutive be helpful for practicing interpreters?

 

  1. How does studying a model of consecutive interpretation help you develop consecutive interpreting skills?

 

  1. In which settings could consecutive interpreting be used?

 

  1. What is the value of studying a model of interpretation?

 

  1. List the components of Gile’s 2001 model of consecutive interpretation. Be sure you understand and can explain all components.

 

  1. What are the advantages of using consecutive interpreting?

 

Unit 2: Bridging to Simultaneous Interpreting

 

  1. What is the value of practicing simultaneous interpreting on warm material?

 

  1. What does Zeier say are the two main components of stress?

 

  1. What does Zeier say are the three main aspects of stress?

 

  1. What does Zeier say are the coping behaviors for dealing with stress?

 

  1. What is processing time and what is its importance in simultaneous interpreting?

 

  1. What is self-monitoring and why is it important in simultaneous interpreting?

 

Unit 3: Sources of Error

 

  1. How does the location of the error impact the message?

 

  1. How can knowing about types of interpreter errors affect your understanding of the interpretation process?

 

  1. How does lack of language proficiency affect the interpretation process?

 

  1. What are the sources of error in interpretation?

 

  1. What are the main types of errors according to Gonzalez et al? 

 

Unit 4: Comprehension

 

1. Why is comprehension important to the interpretation process?

 

2. What is linguistic comprehension based on, according to Gile?

 

3. What role do paralinguistic features play in comprehension?

 

4. Why are macroprocessing skills important in the interpretation process?

 

5. Why is analysis of the target audience important?

 

Unit 5: Transfer

 

1. What is transfer?

 

2. What is a meaning hypothesis? What is its relevance to the simultaneous interpreting process?

 

3. How do you decide which meaning of a word is meant in a specific text?

 

4. What role does visualization play in transfer?

 

5. Why is it important to develop a hypothesis that is non-committal?

 

Unit 6: Reformulation:

 

1. What is reformulation? What is the difference between analysis and reformulation?

 

2. What is the goal in reformulation?

 

3. How does visualization help you in reformulating the message?

 

Unit 7: Self-Monitoring and Correction

 

1. Why is memory important in the interpretation process?

 

2. What factors affect memory?

 

3. What aspects of the interpretation should be monitored?

 

4. Why is it unlikely that interpreters can accurately remember everything they interpret?

 

5. Why does simultaneous interpreting place such heavy demands on memory?

 

6. Why would we study self-monitoring and correction after learning the simultaneous interpreting process?