INTRODUCTION
Background to the thesis
Consecutive interpreting is a key focus area in the undergraduate curriculum at the Faculty of English, Phenikaa University, requiring extensive study This interpreting method involves the interpreter conveying the message only after the speaker has finished their statement.
The time lag in consecutive interpreting allows interpreters to utilize note-taking as a tool to enhance their short-term memory Unlike traditional note-taking methods used by students in lectures or while reading, the note-taking techniques employed in consecutive interpreting are unique and crucial for successful interpretation However, ineffective note-taking can negatively impact interpreters Interpreting students often grapple with questions about how to take notes that effectively aid their memory without causing harm This thesis focuses on the practice of note-taking among interpreting students, aiming to provide practical tips for effective techniques through a study on its significance in consecutive interpreting.
Aims of the thesis
The quantitative survey aims to investigate interpreting students' perceptions of note-taking skills in consecutive interpreting It focuses on their views and practical experiences regarding the importance of note-taking, the essential requirements for effective notes, and their approaches to specific situations during the note-taking process However, the survey does not intend to assess the students' actual acquisition of note-taking skills or their real-life note-taking practices.
To reach this goal, the study addressed the following questions:
1 What are students‟ perceptions of the importance of note-taking skills in consecutive interpreting?
2 What are student‟s opinions of taking notes and the frequency of using notes in consecutive interpreting?
Organization of the thesis
The basic structural format of the research study is organized into five chapters, a list of references, and appendices
Chapter I includes the background to the thesis, the aims and the organization of the study Chapter II mentions a literature review of note-taking Chapter III details the methods and procedures used to conduct the study and to collect the data Chapter IV elaborates on the results, discussion and analyses Chapter V includes implications resulting from the study, suggestions for effective note- taking and conclusion
LITERATURE REVIEW
Introduction
A literature review serves as an overview of existing scholarly publications on a specific topic rather than merely presenting new interpretations of previous works This chapter aims to deliver essential insights into note-taking in consecutive interpretation while also offering a comprehensive literature review It systematically explores various facets of note-taking, beginning with a general overview of interpreting and its classifications, before concentrating specifically on consecutive interpreting and dedicating the remainder of the chapter to developing note-taking skills.
Overview of Translation and Interpreting
Translation and interpreting serve as crucial forms of language intermediation, facilitating the transfer of written or spoken texts between languages These activities are significant language-based practices that are typically classified within the realm of applied linguistics This chapter provides a concise introduction and historical context of the field, while also addressing key issues that have garnered attention from translation scholars and applied linguists in recent years.
Translation and interpreting (T+I) necessitate fluency in at least two languages, which is essential for quality work However, many translators lack the necessary language skills, often evident in their low-priced services and exaggerated claims of being able to translate any language or subject.
Translation involves converting written text, like books or articles, into another language while preserving the original meaning This process requires accurately conveying the essence of the source language in a coherent written form in the target language.
English differentiates between translation, which refers to written text, and interpretation, which pertains to oral or signed communication among speakers of different languages This distinction implies that translation can only commence once a word is established within a language community.
Translation is the process of conveying the meanings of a linguistic discourse from one language to another, as defined by Malmkjôr (2011) It focuses on achieving sameness of meaning across languages, although researchers argue that absolute correspondence is unattainable, leading to the conclusion that no translation can be fully exact Bui Tien Bao and Dang Xuan Thu (1999) emphasize that translation involves interpreting a source text and creating an equivalent target text Ultimately, these definitions collectively capture the essence of translation as a nuanced and interpretative activity.
In his book "Consecutive Interpreting Explained," Jones (2002) illustrates the role of an interpreter through a scenario where two individuals from different countries need to communicate but speak different languages An interpreter, proficient in both languages, facilitates this conversation by conveying each person's message accurately While some may view interpreters as "circus performers" adept at juggling languages, this perception oversimplifies their expertise Interpreters possess exceptional skills that extend beyond mere wordplay; they are essential communicators who bridge linguistic gaps and ensure effective dialogue.
Interpreting involves facilitating effective oral communication by accurately conveying messages between languages, rather than merely translating words literally The interpreter's role is to ensure that the essence and intent of the original message are faithfully transposed into the target language.
Translation and interpreting are often confused, yet they serve distinct functions Translation involves converting written text from one language to another, utilizing time and resources like dictionaries In contrast, interpreting occurs in real-time, typically in the presence of clients, and focuses on spoken language, even if the source is a written text.
Interpreting is delivered through various modes, primarily simultaneous and consecutive The key distinction between these modes is the timing of the interpretation; simultaneous interpreting occurs in real-time, providing a continuous flow, while consecutive interpreting takes place after the speaker has finished their utterance, resulting in a time lag between the original speech and the translated version.
“stop-and-go” 1 rhythm, with greater time lag between the original and the foreign language version
A simultaneous interpreter delivers the target-language message almost concurrently with the source-language message According to Seleskovitch (1978), this process occurs in a sound-proof booth where the interpreter, equipped with headphones, listens to the incoming message while having a clear view of the speaker The interpreter then relays the message into a microphone for the audience, resulting in overlapping voices, with the speaker's voice being dominant and the interpreter's delivery being quieter.
Interpreters utilize a microphone to convey spoken messages in real-time, allowing them to interpret almost simultaneously with the speaker This simultaneous processing eliminates the need for memorization or note-taking, as interpreters analyze and reconstruct the message in a streamlined manner By working on the message incrementally, they communicate what they have understood while continuously assimilating new ideas.
This mode of interpreting is introduced briefly for students' awareness due to its complexity, rather than being included in the graduate training program at the university.
Whispered interpreting, also known as "chuchotage," is a form of simultaneous interpreting used in short meetings where traditional equipment is impractical In this method, the interpreter sits beside the participants and softly speaks into the ear of one or two individuals who need interpretation services (Jones, 2002, p.6) This approach allows for effective communication in situations where standard interpreting tools cannot be utilized.
In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter begins their work only after the speaker has completed their speech, allowing them to analyze the entire message for better comprehension As noted by Seleskovitch (1978), this approach enables the interpreter to engage directly with the audience, effectively becoming the voice of the original speaker.
Consecutive interpreting involves the interpreter sitting next to the speaker, actively listening and taking notes during the speech This method is particularly useful for Q&A sessions with non-English speaking witnesses, necessitating a pause between the original question or answer and its interpretation It demands strong short-term and long-term memory, effective note-taking abilities, an understanding of subtle language nuances, and proficiency in various speaking styles to maintain the original message's integrity.
What is note-taking?
Note-taking is a common practice during lectures, meetings, and important phone calls, utilized by secretaries, students, and reporters alike However, in the context of consecutive interpreting, note-taking serves a distinct purpose and requires a different approach compared to these traditional methods.
Note-taking is among techniques used in the process of interpretation Therefore, before we get to know a definition of note-taking we must understand the phases of consecutive interpreting
Gile (1995) introduces his Effort Models for interpreting, highlighting the challenges and efforts required in interpreting tasks and the strategies essential for overcoming these obstacles He delineates consecutive interpreting into two distinct phases: the listening and reformulation phase, followed by the reconstruction phase.
Phase one: I = L (listening) + M (short-term memory) + N (note-taking)
During the listening phase, operations can be pooled together into:
the Listening Effort (listening to and analyzing the source speech)
the Production Effort (producing notes, not a target-language version of the speech)
Short-term memory involves the temporary storage of newly received information until it can be noted down This process can be broken down into three key components: I = R (remember) + R (read) + P (production) During the reformulation phase, these elements work together to enhance retention and understanding of the information.
a Note-Reading Effort (some processing capacity is required to understand - and sometimes decipher - the notes);
a short-term Memory Effort for retrieving information stored in short-term memory and reconstructing the content of the speech;
a Production Effort, for producing the target-language speech
A consecutive interpreter engages in a critical process that involves understanding, analysis, and re-expression According to Jones (2002, p.39), notes serve merely as an aid to support these essential components However, for consecutive interpreters, utilizing notes is crucial to achieving accuracy and ensuring successful interpretations.
In the liaison interpreting course Asia link Interpreting Asia-Interpreting Europe,
Yu Hao, a senior interpreter for Chinese government had the following notes
12 about note-taking: It plays an important role in supplementing the short-term memory and comprehension
The International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) emphasizes that note-taking is a crucial component of consecutive interpreting, enabling interpreters to capture the structure and logic of speeches for better retention This practice is highly personalized; some interpreters utilize symbols, while others opt for drawings or focus on key words Additionally, the level of detail recorded and the choice of notepad and language for the notes can vary significantly among interpreters.
In his presentation about note-taking in consecutive interpreting (Chapter III -
Conference Interpreting explained) Jones pointed out two purposes of notes which are to “relieve the memory” and “jog the memory” (Jones, 2002, pp.39 -
Interpreters, whether novice students or seasoned professionals, universally acknowledge the necessity of taking notes due to the inherent limitations of memory They often struggle to recall crucial details such as numbers, proper names, and lists, which cannot solely be retained through analysis and logic Focusing too much on memorizing these elements can detract from their primary responsibility of actively listening to ongoing dialogue By jotting down specific information, interpreters can alleviate the cognitive load and enhance their overall performance.
13 memory That is why Jones called the first and most visible purpose of notes as to relieve memory
Notes play a crucial role in enhancing an interpreter's ability to reproduce the structure of a speech, as highlighted by Jones (2002, p.40) through the concept of "jogging the memory." Even if the structure is already in the interpreter's mind during the listening process, jotting down the speech's form, key points, and lines of argument allows for deeper analysis Having the structure documented makes it easier for the interpreter to verbalize and convey the desired message effectively.
Notes play a crucial role in ensuring professionalism in interpretation, as most interpreters lack the confidence to interpret a speech without them Since the duration of a speaker's discourse is unpredictable, a skilled interpreter must be prepared for any length of speech Consequently, a responsible consecutive interpreter always carries a small notebook and pen for note-taking This practice instills a sense of reliability in both the speaker and the audience In high-stakes meetings, such as negotiations among high-ranking officials, relying solely on memory is a significant risk Therefore, interpreters should embrace note-taking, as it offers numerous benefits that enhance the quality of interpretation.
Excessive reliance on notes by interpreters can lead to significant risks, as highlighted by Jones (2002) Firstly, interpreters may mistakenly believe that extensive note-taking brings them closer to the original message, resulting in notes that serve merely as a word-for-word transcription rather than a true re-expression of the ideas conveyed This can compromise the quality and authenticity of the interpretation.
Focusing excessively on note-taking can hinder genuine understanding and analysis during a speech, leading to significant comprehension errors and potential contradictions (Jones, 2002, p.39).
Effective note-taking is crucial for interpreters, as it enhances their performance, but excessive reliance on notes can be detrimental Beginner interpreters often attempt to write down everything, resembling a novice cyclist gripping the handlebars too tightly, which hinders their ability to navigate effectively This leads to a situation where they capture most words from the first sentence, fewer from the second, and potentially none from subsequent sentences Therefore, it is essential to teach students a more efficient and sustainable approach to note-taking.
Interpreters utilize various note-taking techniques, but it is essential for them to understand fundamental principles to develop their own effective methods This section will outline the key dos and don’ts of note-taking, highlighting what should be included in an interpreter's notes for optimal performance.
The things to be noted are quite logically related to the purposes of note-taking
To enhance memory retention, interpreters should meticulously record specific details such as numbers, lists, and proper names in their notes Additionally, to stimulate recall, they should outline the structure of the speech Let’s explore the key components that contribute to effective note-taking for interpreters.
Imagine the speech made by the speaker like a body Obviously, it is impossible for the interpreter to put the body onto his/her note paper For the sake of
In analyzing a speech, interpreters focus on capturing the main ideas, which serve as the framework for their notes According to Jones (2002), these key concepts help distinguish between essential and secondary information, allowing interpreters to construct a coherent outline of the speech This structured approach enables them to identify the sequence of ideas effectively, ensuring that they can confidently omit non-essential points without losing the speech's core message.
To notice where the end of one idea and the start of a new one is, the interpreter is suggested to jot down the separation between ideas
To effectively structure a speech, interpreters must act like constructors, connecting key ideas to create a coherent framework Without logical connections, interpretations can become disjointed and confusing for listeners Clearly indicating the relationships between ideas is crucial, as a lack of clarity can distort the intended message As Jones (2002) emphasizes, the importance of links in note-taking often surpasses that of the main ideas themselves When interpreters accurately note these connections, they can succinctly summarize the overall argument with minimal effort.
2.3.2.3 Verb tenses and modal verbs
THE STUDY
Introduction
The previous chapter highlights the essential role of note-taking for interpreters, as it enhances short-term memory and facilitates effective communication by accurately conveying messages The upcoming section will present an empirical report derived from survey findings, beginning with a concise overview of the subjects, instruments used, methods, and procedures involved.
Subjects
This study focuses on 15 English language majors from the Faculty of English at Phenikaa University, selected randomly from two classes The participants, aged between under 20 and 22, share a similar educational background and are all engaged in translation and interpreting studies.
Instrumentation
The questionnaire is an efficient survey tool that allows researchers to quickly gather responses from a large number of participants simultaneously Its convenience for respondents is evident, as they simply need to select from pre-defined answers without the need for extensive writing Students can choose from five options: strongly agree, agree, undecided, disagree, and strongly disagree, making the process quick and straightforward Ultimately, the questionnaire not only saves time for researchers but also facilitates the collection of valuable information efficiently.
27 respondents can frankly give their personal opinions Therefore, the researcher can get the most accurate and honest answer through the questionnaire
The survey aims to gather students' opinions and experiences regarding their note-taking skills It consists of a questionnaire written in English, where participants simply need to tick their answers The questionnaire features 10 questions focused on the subject of note-taking.
Questions 1-5 are designed to find out what students are thinking about the role of Notes in interpreting Questions 5-9 are intended to explore what and when to take notes, the difficulties students have with taking notes, and to see if their current note-taking style is correct and appropriate And in the last question is to ask about the frequency of using notes in the interpreter by the students.
Procedures
In April 2022, a researcher distributed a questionnaire consisting of 10 questions to 15 English majors at Phenikaa University, who readily provided their honest opinions The interpreting students from the Faculty of English found it easy to answer the questions Alongside completing the questionnaire, the students engaged in discussions with the researcher about various relevant topics, facilitating a valuable exchange of knowledge and learning experiences The collected responses were analyzed, with results presented in the following section.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Introduction
Chapter IV presents the results derived from the analysis of data collected from the questionnaires, following the methodology discussed in Chapter III This chapter is organized into 4 sections: introduction, results, discussion and summary
This article examines ten key questions related to the critical aspects of note-taking in consecutive interpreting It focuses on the significance of note-taking skills, the essential elements to capture during the process, and effective techniques for making notes.
Results from the questionnaire
During April 2022, 15 questionnaires were distributed and results collected The results obtained from the survey are presented in the following table:
1 Note-taking is the most important element in consecutive interpreting
2 Notes are not necessary for the interpreter
3 Clear separation of main ideas in notes is important
4 Noting verb tenses is not important
5 Notes help me visualize the outline of the speech
6 I make notes of everything I hear
7 I start noting as quickly as possible to avoid being left behind by the speaker
8 When I hardly can understand what the speaker is saying, I still keep noting down any word that I can hear
9 Using symbols and abbreviations when you take notes can allow you to take more accurate notes more quickly
Strongly agree (1), Agree (2), Undecided (3), Disagree (4), Strongly disagree (5)
Discussion
The results in the table have shown the factual information of note-taking provided by the interpreting students
4.3.1 Question 1-5: Student's opinion on the role of Note-taking in interpreting
It is a fact that a high percentage of students (80%) finds it very important to take notes during consecutive interpreting This data shows that the majority of
10 How frequently do you exercise taking notes?
A significant majority of students (30%) view note-taking as a crucial skill in consecutive interpreting, especially when their memorization abilities fall short during translation practice Conversely, nearly 20% of students believe that note-taking is not essential, relying instead on their memory to recall information after listening They argue that while notes can be helpful, they do not significantly impact their performance Additionally, 26.67% of surveyed students feel that interpreters can successfully complete translations without notes, whereas 50% assert that notes are indispensable to avoid missing critical information Furthermore, around 20% of students remain uncertain about the role of note-taking in interpreting.
Taking notes is crucial for effective communication, especially for interpreters Research shows that 80% of students feel more confident when they can review information they've just heard Interpreters work under significant pressure, needing to convey the speaker's ideas accurately and fluently Having a notebook and pen boosts their confidence, helping them avoid missing or misrepresenting critical information Confidence plays a vital role in an interpreter's success, enhancing their performance and ensuring they deliver their best work.
Taking notes is essential for students, particularly interpreters, as it aids memory retention Few interpreters possess the extraordinary memory required to recall every detail of a speech Even the most skilled interpreters can forget information during pauses or struggle to retain excessive details Mistakes are inevitable in the interpreting profession, as comprehension does not guarantee memorization Thus, taking notes serves as a crucial tool, ensuring that paraphrased information is sufficiently detailed and minimizing omissions during translation.
Note-taking plays a crucial role in helping interpreters identify and organize the main ideas and key points of a speech, which is essential for accurate interpretation and avoiding miscommunication Many individuals struggle to distinguish the primary concepts during lengthy talks, making it vital to clearly separate these ideas in their notes Research indicates that over 70% of students recognize the importance of effective note-taking for this purpose; however, more than 26% still find it challenging to extract main ideas when faced with an overload of information, often resorting to transcribing everything they hear.
In a recent survey, over 66% of students expressed mixed opinions regarding the importance of noting verb tenses in their studies This indicates a significant divide in understanding among students about the relevance of verb tense usage.
The importance of accurately recording verb tenses in translation cannot be overstated, as it ensures the correct interpretation of actions and their subjects, which is vital for conveying the speaker's intended context Failing to identify the appropriate tenses can easily result in mistranslations regarding the timing of actions, whether they pertain to the past, present, or future While over 33% of students believe that focusing solely on the content of the translation is sufficient, this perspective overlooks the crucial role that verb tenses play in accurately representing the speaker's ideas It is essential to shift this mindset to improve translation quality.
Note-taking serves as a crucial tool for interpreters, helping them create a structured outline of the speech and effectively capture key ideas This practice reduces their reliance on the original message, allowing them to convey the content in a manner they find most suitable Consequently, interpreters can enrich the speech by delivering it in their own words while maintaining the essence of the original message.
Many speakers focus solely on content, neglecting the speech's outline, which complicates interpreters' ability to convey coherent translations Over 86% of students report that note-taking aids in visualizing the speech structure, allowing interpreters to rearrange ideas effectively This practice enhances clarity and comprehension, as it prevents the need for instant memorization and translation without context By grasping the outline through note-taking, interpreters improve their fluency and reduce repetition, leading to better communication with their audience.
A well-organized speaker facilitates smoother interpretation by pausing at key points, allowing the interpreter to deliver a coherent message This structured approach minimizes long pauses and enhances overall fluency in the interpretation process.
For interpreters handling lengthy reports filled with extraneous information, creating an outline and taking notes can be essential for grasping the main points and their order This approach allows interpreters to identify key elements, enabling them to convey the message more efficiently and succinctly, ultimately saving time and keeping the audience engaged However, a survey revealed that 13% of students felt that note-taking hindered their ability to visualize the speech's outline, as the need to focus on multiple tasks—listening, note-taking, and memorizing—made it challenging to form a coherent structure in their minds.
The survey results indicate that most students possess a solid understanding of the importance of note-taking in serial interpreting While they may not fully grasp all the beneficial aspects of this skill, they have acquired some knowledge and experience in effective note-taking The upcoming section will explore key insights and essential considerations for successful note-taking.
4.3.2 Question 6-9: Student's opinion on how to take and what to take note
In consecutive interpretation, students frequently face challenges related to note-taking, which can significantly impact their translation accuracy This article explores common issues encountered during the translation process, aiming to gather insights from students A key concern is the tendency to take notes on every detail, which may hinder effective interpretation.
A recent survey revealed that over 26% of students believe taking extensive notes while translating is beneficial, as it helps prevent omissions and aids memory retention during the translation process However, more than 45% disagreed, arguing that effective interpreting requires quick responses and that skilled interpreters can recall information without extensive note-taking, especially when the material is simple or familiar They suggest that interpreters should focus on recording only key ideas and new information rather than transcribing everything By honing effective note-taking skills, interpreters can save time and enhance their ability to convey the speaker's main message accurately.
Interpreters must simultaneously employ various skills, including listening, understanding, analyzing, and memorizing One critical challenge they face is the disparity between speaking and writing speeds, as speaking is inherently faster Over 63% of interpreters emphasize the importance of quick note-taking to keep pace with the speaker and avoid falling behind If interpreters fail to take notes rapidly, they risk losing their composure, missing vital information, and appearing unprofessional This urgency is highlighted when a speaker transitions to a new idea while the interpreter is still processing the previous one.
26% of students believe that simply taking notes is sufficient, arguing that speed is not essential as long as their opinions are well-informed They contend that the pace of note-taking varies among individuals; some can write quickly while others prefer a slower approach, making it a personal choice rather than a necessity.
Summary
Chapter IV refers to the findings and their discussion Using facts and figures, think about the idea of interpreting students taking notes Based on the information gathered in this chapter, some valid notes and suggestions for conclusions should be the content of the next chapter, chapter V
SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION
Introduction
Effective note-taking is crucial for an interpreter's success, as highlighted by the data presented in the previous chapter Every interpreter should create a personalized note-taking system to enhance this essential skill Building on the findings from Chapter IV, Chapter V provides recommendations for effective note-taking, structured into four sections: an introduction, key principles of note-taking, and a list of dos and don’ts.
Principles of note-taking
While there is no one-size-fits-all note-taking system, effective note-taking is highly individualistic Each person develops their unique method that best suits their needs However, adhering to certain fundamental principles can enhance the process, one of which is the importance of keeping notes brief.
Effective note-taking for interpreters is about capturing key ideas rather than transcribing every word Weber emphasizes that interpreters should focus on memorizing concepts, allowing them to convey the speaker's message in their own words By writing fewer notes, interpreters reduce their reliance on the source language and enhance their ability to retain information Over-reliance on dictation hinders essential skills such as predicting, analyzing, and summarizing, as research indicates that intense focus on writing limits cognitive capacity Thus, a concise note-taking approach enables interpreters to engage more fully with the content being communicated.
39 hears because speaking always outpaces writing The average speaking rate is
Interpreters typically write at a speed of 125 words per minute, compared to the average writing rate of 55 words per minute This discrepancy can lead to challenges, as interpreters may struggle to keep up with speakers if they attempt to record everything verbatim To ensure effective translation, it's crucial for interpreters to find a balance between taking notes that enhance memory retention and actively following the speaker's words.
To enhance fluency and minimize reliance on original material, it's essential for interpreters to maintain concise notes that summarize key points effectively The primary criterion for effective note-taking is brevity, which aids in capturing the essence of the information while ensuring clarity and focus.
A crucial aspect of effective note-taking is clarity, ensuring that notes are not only readable but also easily comprehensible by the writer If an interpreter cannot decipher their own notes, it can lead to confusion and inefficiency Therefore, it's essential for interpreters to have a strong grasp of their notation system, especially when introducing new symbols or abbreviations They should only utilize methods they are comfortable with, opting for familiar symbols to ensure accurate and efficient communication.
To create effective notes, it's essential to maintain clear organizational patterns and legible handwriting Notes should be structured logically and written in a readable manner to facilitate understanding Interpreters must take notes sequentially, avoiding random entries to prevent confusion in the order of ideas Additionally, the interpreter's handwriting must be clear to ensure accurate interpretation.
Interpreters must maintain composure under pressure to ensure their notes are clear and legible High-stress situations or environmental factors can lead to nervousness, resulting in illegible handwriting Regardless of the quality of symbols used, if the handwriting is unclear, the notes lose their value Therefore, staying calm is essential for interpreters to produce understandable and useful notes.
In the code of ethics for interpreters, accuracy is paramount, as interpreters must convey the original message without adding, omitting, or altering content Incorrect notes can lead to misinterpretation, highlighting the importance of precise note-taking Unlike translation, interpreting requires immediate processing of information, leaving little time to verify notes Any inaccuracies can result in miscommunication and reflect poorly on the interpreter's professionalism Therefore, interpreters must ensure their notes are accurate and comprehensive to effectively convey the speaker's intent.
Inaccurate note-taking can arise from several factors, including an inconsistent and asynchronous code-fetching system used by interpreters Additionally, when interpreters attempt to take excessive notes, they may struggle to keep pace with the speaker's rhythm, leading to confusion between incorrect notes and actual information Furthermore, inaccuracies may also result from a disconnect between the mind and hand during the note-taking process.
Interpreters often experience mismatches when they mistakenly write a different word than what they hear, particularly when distracted or confused This issue frequently arises during the interpretation of numbers, where an interpreter might accurately hear "sixteen twenty five" but incorrectly transcribe it as five.
Interpreters often face challenges in accurately conveying information, especially when dealing with complex data such as "1624." Misinterpretation can occur due to the sheer volume of information to absorb, leading even skilled interpreters to make mistakes To reduce errors and enhance note-taking accuracy, it is essential for interpreters to focus and concentrate immediately upon receiving information.
Some “Dos and Don'ts” in Note-taking
This section provides a short list of tips for taking notes These will help students hone their note-taking skills and help them do a better job of interpreting
Do take note as little as possible
Do note when you understand the speaker's idea
Do retain ideas, not words
Do notes on key words and main ideas
Do use whatever language you find best in note-taking
Do be an active listener
Do use short cuts: abbreviations, symbols, etc
Don‟t notes everything you hear
Don‟t note what you do not understand
Don't note what is repeated
Don't take notes on too familiar information
Do not write data, statistics and number haphazardly
Don't create a new symbol when you are not sure to remember
Limitation and suggestion for further study
Although the study has touched upon the real exercise of students in note-taking, it still exposes certain limitations
Due to time constraints, the researcher conducted a survey with only 15 students from the Faculty of English at Phenikaa University, resulting in limited data To enhance future studies, it is recommended that a larger and more diverse group of participants from various language universities be included, as a greater sample size yields more accurate results and diverse opinions Additionally, exploring other aspects of note-taking skills is essential to better prepare future interpreters and interested individuals, as a comprehensive skill set will provide a strong foundation for their success in the field.
CONCLUSION
As globalization continues to expand, English has emerged as the international language, leading to a growing significance of English interpreting and translation in various fields The demand for skilled interpreters is rising, particularly in developing countries, prompting an increasing number of students to pursue degrees in interpreting However, this profession is complex and demands a strong foundation of knowledge and skills from interpreters to succeed.
Interpreting serves as a vital bridge in cross-cultural communication, aiming to accurately convey messages between languages A key skill in this process is note-taking, which has been emphasized throughout this study Note-taking in consecutive interpreting offers interpreters a valuable time lag to enhance their performance, provided it is used wisely as a tool rather than a crutch Those who misuse this technique risk becoming overly reliant on their notes Therefore, mastering note-taking is essential for students in translation and interpreting programs Through surveys and discussions, this research aims to provide insights into the importance of note-taking and its often-overlooked aspects Ultimately, by effectively combining their knowledge with fundamental interpreting skills, aspiring interpreters can significantly improve their chances of success in their careers.
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The Importance of Note-taking in Interpreting
This questionnaire aims to assess your views on the significance of note-taking in the field of interpreting Your participation in completing the items is greatly valued Rest assured, this questionnaire is solely for research purposes, and your identity will remain confidential in any discussions regarding the data collected.
Agree Undecided Disagree Strongly disagree
1 Note-taking is the most important element in consecutive interpreting
2 Notes are not necessary for the interpreter
3 Clear separation of main ideas in notes is important
4 Noting verb tenses is not important
5 Notes help me visualize the outline of the speech
6 I make notes of everything I hear
7 I start noting as quickly as possible to avoid being left behind by the speaker
8 When I hardly can understand what the speaker is saying, I still