A Research Report On The Correlation Between Memory And Note-taking In Consecutive Interpretation

This study aims to investigate the relationship between memory, note-taking and interpreting quality in consecutive interpretation. It analyzed the data taken from 6 second-year MTI students, including the notes they took during interpreting, and the transcription of different kinds of interviews. Methods of data collection include voice recording, interviews, and reviews of the participants’ notes. Based on the theories and experience of experts in this field, two predictions were made:first, a reciprocal relationship between memory and note-taking; and second excessive note-taking would interfere with the memory.Three findings were made. First, note-taking helped increase nearly 30% of information compared with short-term memory only; however, inappropriate or ineffective layout of notes might affect the short-term memory and the recollection of the following text owing to prolonged decoding time. Second, no significant reciprocal relationship was observed between the quantity of notes and memory. Third, memory exerted more influences on the interpreting quality than note-taking.This study was designed and conducted by the author under the condition of lack of adequate reference to previous studies. The findings would provide useful data for future research on related issues and would also offer enlightenment for MIT students who wish to improve interpreting skills.