On Information Transfer In Consecutive Interpretation: An Intertextual Perspective

The theory of intertextuality has been well-received and extensively applied in translation studies in the past few decades,which not only broadens the horizon of research work but also offers new implications for the practice of translation.The term, intertextuality,was first put forward by the French literary theorist Julia Christeva.She assumes that any text is resulted from the absorption and transformation of other texts. Basil Hatim and Ian Mason later took the lead to introduce the theory of intertextualtiy into translation studies and their efforts were reinforced by many other scholars,such as Roland Barthes,Jacques Derrida,to name just a few.As an important concept of decontructural paradigm,subjectivity of a translator has been a source of heated debate. However,to the knowledge of the author of this dissertation,research devoted to the discussion of translating and the role of translators from an intertextual perspective seldom steps into the domain of interpretation despite its resemblance to translation is great,and there has been only one article so far that made such an attempt lately.The author aims to further that attempt by examining the process and characteristics of information transfer in consecutive interpretation and proposing some implications concerning the necessity and legitimacy of an interpreter's idiosyncratic perspective therein.The thesis starts with an introduction in which the subject,aim and impetus of the research are included.Chapter One presents a brief review of basic notions and genesis of deconstructionism and intertextuality before exploring the relationship between translation studies and the intertextual theory.In this chapter,translation as a special intertextual activity is asserted.In light of intertextuality,any text occurs in the process of translation presents itself as a tissue in an immense network of complex,where the significance of each text is unfolded through the reference to one another.Given the nature of translation, the theory of intertextuality is surely to contribute a prominent perspective in its studies. Chapter Two mainly deals with the characteristics of and mutual relationship between consecutive interpretation and information communication.In this chapter,the author defines consecutive interpretation as a mode of information-relay communication.By comparing consecutive interpretation with simultaneous interpretation and written translation respectively,the author argues that linearity and sequentiality of information transmission constitute the two major characteristics of consecutive interpretation,hence the possibility of introducing the theory of intertextuality and its current fruit in translation studies into interpreting research;in the meantime,the classification of information occurs in consecutive interpretation also provides basis for the next chapter where intertextual analysis will be made to the information transfer process.Chapter Three is the key part of this thesis.Tentative suggestions concerning the typology of texts in consecutive interpretation are presented,providing semiotic basis for the intertextual analysis of information transfer process.The author,then,in light of the Information Communication Theory,Interpretive Theory and Gile's Effort Model,divides the process whereby information travels in consecutive interpretation into three stages,i.e.reception of information,retention of information and expression of information.Based on this division,the author traces the transmission process from an intertextual perspective,claiming the intertextual nature of information transfer in consecutive interpretation.In addition,the assumption of the role of a consecutive interpreter as an active participator,i.e.a receptor,a producer and a communicator,is also in line with that dominant nature.Chapter Four explores the possible significance and implications for the practice of consecutive interpretation.Due to the asymmetry of intertextual knowledge as a result of different ages,experience,knowledge structure,educational background,etc.a consecutive interpreter's comprehension,analysis and production of information is more or less subjected to his/her own perspective.The author believes that an interpreter's subjectivity can be brought into full play by optimizing the way of transmission and increasing the efficiency of production as long as the communicative effect remains the priority.To this end,proficiency in source and target languages, ample pre-task preparations,good intercultural communication awareness,build-up of encyclopedic knowledge and after all,intertextual competence to coordinate all the cognitive resources in specific situation are essential.