A Study On Note-Taking In English-Chinese Consecutive Interpreting

Consecutive interpreting (CI) is one type of interpreting which requires multiple skills for the interpreters, besides solid basic foundations in both languages. What’s more, the interpreters should acquire adequate note-taking skills. Both misuse of and deficiency in note-taking techniques will result in inefficiency of interpretation. This thesis aims to provide suggestions to consecutive interpreting learners through discussion in the function, content and skills of note-taking.By comparing the characteristics of notes in CI, class-notes and shorthand, the author highlights the special features of immediacy and individualization of the notes in CI. The function of note-taking is analyzed by applying the information processing theory by Robert Mills Gagne, which can be a supplement to short-term memory. Besides, the "Effort Models" created by Daniel Gile elaborates the importance of concise notes in CI.The author then researches on the practical techniques of note-taking by studying its content, principles and symbols. It is pointed out that notes should include key information as well as their logical relations. Furthermore, the author probes into concise note-taking skills by summarizing the research products of three masters, namely Herbert, Rozen and Van Hoof.Last but not least, the author discusses the difficulties occurring in note-taking practices and sums up three tentative solutions, including creation of individualized concise note system, intensive training on numbers and application of cursive handwriting. In all, the study combines the theories and practices of note-taking in consecutive interpreting in the hope of providing precise implications to interpreting learners.