Applying Schema Theory To Cultivate Interpreter’s Promptitude

Reaction time, the time lag before interpreting, is an indicator of an interpreter’scomprehensive ability. With the analyses of reaction time (RT), the factors affectingRT, and the theorization of interpreting experience, the thesis researches theapplication of schema theory in interpreting process and teaching. The schema theoryplays a vital role in the analyses of source language comprehension and the output oftarget language. The author would combine these two elements to explore how tomaintain the balance between promptitude and interpreting quality, and how to carryout an effective training method.The Introduction illuminates the research motivation, the outline, and itssignificance. Simultaneous and consecutive interpreters shoulder intangible technicaland psychological burden in various conferences. The flexibility to tune the reactiontime in accordance with the speed and length of the speech reflects an interpreter’scomprehensive capacity and professionalism. The significance of the thesis lies inproviding feasible methods to handle promptitude.In Chapter One, the author introduces the origin, definition, classification, andcharacteristics of the scheme theory. The scheme theory is accordingly applied in thestorage and retrieval in interpreting. The author discusses the function of schematheory in the promptitude of an interpreter in light of understanding and memorizing.Because an interpreter needs to balance between accuracy and speed, the author alsorecommended the combination of the Speed-accuracy Trade-off (SAT) with theschema theory.In Chapter Two, the author illustrates the definition of the interpretingpromptitude and its significance reflected from SAT. In the process of studyingcognitive schema in interpreting, the author has concluded from Ellis and Young’sAuditory Perception Model three elements affecting reaction time, namely, individualdistinctiveness, conflict between promptitude and expression, and interpreting context. The efforts are Low Hierarchy of Representation, Demetaphor and NeutralizedAttitude. Chapter One and Two have laid a theoretical basis for the ensuing chapters.Chapter Three discusses the application of schema theory in promptitude. Theauthor cites two information processing modes, the top-down processing model, andthe bottom-up processing model to manifest the importance of background knowledgeand extra-linguistic knowledge in interpreting. The case study on six postgraduates’scripts and questionnaire from eleven postgraduates highlighted the magnitude ofmemory procedure.Chapter Four focuses on the application of schema theory to the training forinterpreter’s promptitude. The author puts forward mainly two steps for interpreting:comprehension and short-term memory. The schema training will improve the SLcomprehension, TL output, and information anticipation. Based on this argument,three methods are recommended to enhance the promptitude: shadowing exercises,the accumulation of extra-linguistic knowledge, and the retelling ability.Chapter Five concludes the positive effect of schema theory in promptitudetraining, and suggests that an interpreter should broaden his or her scope ofknowledge, language capacity, and the deep cognitive understanding of the world.The improvement in these aspects will help an interpreter reduce the reaction time andproduce good interpreting.The significance of the thesis is to reveal the relationship between promptitudeand interpreting quality. The improvement of promptitude lies in comprehension,reconstruction, and reproduction. The thesis will leverage the schema theory to aid aninterpreter in shaping beneficial mind setting. The author would also apply thevaluable features of Gile’s model and Xiada Model in order to enhance theprofessionalism of interpreters.