17.5. Consecutive Discourse Interpreting

Task of interpreter: to adequately render monological speech (presentation, statement for press, lecture, appeal, press-conference, briefing, concert, toast, etc.) in public and in enclosed space, hall, TV-studio or outdoors (reception in the garden), in stadium, etc., (sometimes in maladjusted conditions, without sound amplification and the situation of increased noise, noise contamination, etc.).

Factors, complicating the process of interpretation:

• long-lasting speech fragments of the speaker;

• lack of sound amplification, that leads to overwork of vocal cords and tiredness;

• discomfort of note-taking, standing beside the speaker (at the rostrum or podium);

• being in the center of the attention of the audience (additional stress);

• possible unfavorable or even hostile attitude of the audience to the speaker, negative reaction to the announcement or speech;

• technical difficulties (bad sound, light, old equipment, mechanical failures, etc.);

• necessity to impart expression and significance of the orator’s speech;

• undesirability of asking to repeat or clarify, failures or errors in translation.

Factors, facilitating the interpretation process:

• possibility to use UNT;

• possibility to get acquainted with the text beforehand and even translate it (at least orally and shortly before the speech);

• knowing topic and speaker’s personality, peculiarities of his mentality, manner of speech, etc.;

• managing basic rules of public speeches;

• correct voice, timbre and breath training;

• ability to relax, cope with excitement and get focused exceptionally on the translation;

• composure, concentration on positive sides of the translation;

• skillful use of professional tricks, quick correction of possible mistakes.

Necessary skills:

• ability to perform in public (before any audience and in any situations);

• experience of managing voice (good articulation, correct intonation);

• absence of fear of working with microphone (stage fright);

• self-confidence and concentration in the process of translation;

• quick adequate reaction to unexpected changes, different interferences and noises, etc.

Questions for discussion:

1. What are the tasks of interpreter in dialogue translation?

2. What factors complicate the process of dialogue interpreting?

3. What factors facilitate the process of dialogue interpreting?

4. What are the features of two-way informal interpretation without note-taking?

5. What are the features of two-way official interpretation without note-taking?

6. What are the tasks of interpreter in two-way interpreting with note-taking?

7. What are the tasks of interpreter in consecutive discourse interpreting?

8. What factors complicate the process of consecutive discourse interpreting?

9. What factors facilitate the process of consecutive discourse interpreting?

10. What skills are necessary to make consecutive discourse interpreting?

Practical assignments:

Make sight translation of the text: