On The Designing Of Reference Answers In Interpreting Coursebooks From Learner Needs Perspective

Learner needs theory is an important theory raised by David Nunan (1999) in the study of second language teaching and learning. The theory can also be applied to interpreting learners. However, interpreting learners have their special needs, that is, to improve their interpreting abilities. With the development of globalization and the deepening of the communication among different nations, the demand for interpreters increases. What's more, interpreting as a career is also developing rapidly,and the training of interpreters begins to attract more and more attention. In the process of interpreter training, course books play an important role. This thesis mainly explores whether the designing of reference answers in the interpreting course books can meet the learner needs and thus are helpful to improve the learners' interpreting abilities. Based on the learner needs theory, the author makes an analysis of five course books which are widely used by CATTI (China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters) examinees and assumes that other interpreting learners who have attended or have been preparing for the CATTI examinations might have found similar problems. To verify her hypothesis, the author carries out a survey through a questionnaire and finds out that the result is basically cohesive with her hypothesis. After analysis, the author concludes that the designing of reference answers in the interpreting course books should center on learner needs and be helpful to improve their interpreting skills.