On the Use of Compensatory Strategies in Simultaneous Interpretation

The Journal of Specialised Translation

Issue 13 – January 2010

Coping Strategies for Fast Delivery in Simultaneous Interpretation
Changshuan Li, Beijing Foreign Studies University ABSTRACT Fast speech is the arch enemy of simultaneous interpreters. Prior preparation may address deficiencies in knowledge and terminology, and to some extent, alleviate the pressure of speed of delivery. But if the speed is beyond a certain limit, no interpreter can transmit the message in full, even if he/she is an expert in the subject. Fast deliveries place interpreters and listeners, particularly non-native listeners, at a disadvantage. It is widely recognised that a rate between 100 and 120 words per minute (wpm) is optimal for English speeches, although the figure may differ for different speech types. This translates into an optimal speed of 150-180 syllables per minute for Chinese speeches. To cope with speeches faster than optimal speeds, this paper proposes four strategies: the speaker is requested to slow down; the interpreter speeds up; summarisation; termination of service. KEYWORDS Simultaneous interpreting, delivery speed, coping strategies, summarisation, termination of service.

1. Speed—an Insurmountable Barrier Fast speech is the arch enemy of simultaneous interpreters. Prior preparation may address deficiencies in knowledge and terminology, and to some extent, alleviate the pressure of fast delivery. But if the speed is beyond a certain limit, no interpreter can transmit the message in full, even if the interpreter is an expert in the subject. This is even more so when the structures of the source and target languages differ substantially. The reason is simple. All interpreters have limited mental capacity. In simultaneous interpretation (SI), interpreters have to allocate attention among several tasks: listening and analysis, production, shortterm memory and coordination (Gile 1995: 161). When a speaker‟s delivery is rapid, listening and analysis alone

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