The Main Non-linguistic Obstacles in Interpretation

Mashael Al-Mutairi

College of Languages & Translation

Princess Nora Bint Abdurrahman University

Paper OutlinePaper Outline

Why Interpretation?Why Interpretation? What is meant by non-linguistic What is meant by non-linguistic

obstacles?obstacles? What are the requirements of What are the requirements of

interpreters?interpreters? Interpretation & Creativity Interpretation & Creativity Classifications of non-linguistic Classifications of non-linguistic

obstacles in Interpretation obstacles in Interpretation

Why InterpretationWhy Interpretation ? ?

Most of the previous studies, based on Most of the previous studies, based on a general review of literature, focus a general review of literature, focus mainly on the effect of linguistic mainly on the effect of linguistic obstacles on the performance of obstacles on the performance of interpreters and translators, in an interpreters and translators, in an assumption that linguistic obstacles assumption that linguistic obstacles have greater effect on the quality of have greater effect on the quality of interpretation than non-linguistic interpretation than non-linguistic obstacles. For this reason, this paper obstacles. For this reason, this paper tries to bring the focus on the main tries to bring the focus on the main non-linguistic obstacles that almost non-linguistic obstacles that almost have the same influence on the quality have the same influence on the quality and accuracy of interpretation. and accuracy of interpretation.

What is meant by Non-linguistic What is meant by Non-linguistic Obstacles in InterpretationObstacles in Interpretation ? ?

According to the purpose of this According to the purpose of this paper, a non-linguistic obstacle in paper, a non-linguistic obstacle in interpretation can be defined as interpretation can be defined as any possible source that might any possible source that might hinder the process of hinder the process of comprehending the intended comprehending the intended meaning and is not associated with meaning and is not associated with real, linguistic entities in the real, linguistic entities in the utterance. utterance.

Requirements of Requirements of InterpretersInterpreters

Interpreters must own certain qualifications to Interpreters must own certain qualifications to be able to achieve the required task be able to achieve the required task successfully. In addition to the general successfully. In addition to the general requirements of the field of translation, requirements of the field of translation, interpreters must also meet other specific interpreters must also meet other specific requirements that include the following: requirements that include the following:

1.1. Having a good, sharp memory Having a good, sharp memory 2.2. Mastering both languages equally Mastering both languages equally 3.3. Having a problem-solving strategyHaving a problem-solving strategy4.4. Appreciating the role that non-verbal Appreciating the role that non-verbal

signals play in communication signals play in communication 5.5. Having a good background knowledge Having a good background knowledge

about the current eventsabout the current events

Requirements of Requirements of InterpretersInterpreters

6.6. Being bicultural and bilingual at the Being bicultural and bilingual at the same time same time

7.7. Being able to use technical facilities Being able to use technical facilities 8.8. Preparing for the speech Preparing for the speech 9.9. Following the general ethics of Following the general ethics of

professional interpretingprofessional interpreting10.10. Having a neutral tone of voice and Having a neutral tone of voice and

following the same tone of voice and following the same tone of voice and speed of delivery of that of the speaker speed of delivery of that of the speaker

11.11. Realizing that the real function is Realizing that the real function is essentially communication essentially communication

Interpretation & Interpretation & CreativityCreativity

Mackenzie (1998) believed that many of the Mackenzie (1998) believed that many of the problems that face interpreters are of the problems that face interpreters are of the open-ended kind, i.e. there are no pre-open-ended kind, i.e. there are no pre-determined solutions. He also asserted that determined solutions. He also asserted that professional interpreters know from professional interpreters know from experience that translating, even the most experience that translating, even the most factual texts, usually requires a great deal factual texts, usually requires a great deal of creativity. Creative interpreter is the one of creativity. Creative interpreter is the one who has self-confidence given by who has self-confidence given by knowledge and confirmed by experience knowledge and confirmed by experience and he will usually use creative strategies in and he will usually use creative strategies in solving problems relating to the process of solving problems relating to the process of interpretation, whether they are linguistic, interpretation, whether they are linguistic, textual, pragmatic or non-linguistic textual, pragmatic or non-linguistic

Classification of Non-linguistic Classification of Non-linguistic

Obstacles in InterpretationObstacles in Interpretation

Non-linguistic obstacles occur due to Non-linguistic obstacles occur due to different circumstances. They are different circumstances. They are essentially classified in this paper into essentially classified in this paper into three main classifications.three main classifications.

1.1. Obstacles that are due to the speaker.Obstacles that are due to the speaker.

2.2. Obstacles that are due to interpretersObstacles that are due to interpreters

3.3. Obstacles that are due to technical Obstacles that are due to technical aspects aspects

Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to

the Speakerthe Speaker

1. 1.

Speakers sometimes do not take the pragmatic background of the audience into consideration

- Interpreters have to fill any pragmatic

gap by making up any unstated information that helps to understand the meaning.

Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to the Speakerthe Speaker

2.2. The non-verbal signals of the speaker play an The non-verbal signals of the speaker play an

important role in determining the intended important role in determining the intended meaning. meaning.

-- Interpreters should observe the body Interpreters should observe the body

language and pay attention to its language and pay attention to its significance.significance.

3. 3. If the speaker does not speak fluently or

intelligibly. - Effective listening helps interpreters to Effective listening helps interpreters to

understand the messages accuratelyunderstand the messages accurately. .

Non-linguistic Obstacles Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to the InterpreterDue to the Interpreter

1. 1. Some interpreters are not trained on different types of Some interpreters are not trained on different types of

interpretation. interpretation. -- Different types of interpretation require different Different types of interpretation require different

performances and strategies. performances and strategies. 2. 2. The interpreter is not a creative person and has no

strategy in his interpretation. - It is important that interpreters are creative in the sense

of having a form of problem-solving strategies.

Non-linguistic Obstacles Due Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to the Interpreterto the Interpreter

3. 3. The interpreter is not prepared in advance. The interpreter is not prepared in advance. -- It is advisable that interpreters read about It is advisable that interpreters read about

the topic of the conference and check on the the topic of the conference and check on the terminology associated with the topic. terminology associated with the topic.

4. 4. The interpreter has no logical linking of

utterance or fluency of delivery. - Experienced interpreters know that the key is

to listen first, understand second and interpret third.

Non-linguistic Obstacles Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to Technical AspectsDue to Technical Aspects

1. 1. Booth size and location Booth size and location Interpreters should be trained in different booth sizes Interpreters should be trained in different booth sizes

and there should be a direct view to the speaker. and there should be a direct view to the speaker. 2. 2. Booth facilities are not good. Interpreters must try to come early to the conference

room and check the booth for any possible problem.3. Interpreters do no cooperate with the technician and

lack any technical knowledge. - Interpreters should learn booth/ mike discipline and

have a good technical knowledge.

Thank you for ListeningThank you for Listening