The Schema-theoretic View Of The Influence Of Background Knowledge On Consecutive Interpreting

This thesis explores the influence of background knowledge on consecutive interpreting with schema theory and Daniel Gile’s effort model as the theoretic framework.The thesis looks back to the development of schema theory and introduces schema definitions and classifications. Daniel Gile’s effort model is introduced in Chapter 3 to serve as the theoretical basis. Chapter 4 discusses how background knowledge impacts consecutive interpreting performance in listening comprehension, note-taking and-reading and target-language production by illustrating the author’s interpretation of a TED video.The conclusion of the thesis is that the influence of background knowledge on consecutive interpreting is as follows:1. In listening comprehension, background knowledge can help the interpreter identify, retrieve and store incoming information and it plays a supplementary role when the interpreter’s listening is inadequate.2. In note-reading and –taking, background knowledge, in the form of notes, can increase the capacity for listening and analysis if the interpreter has a readily available symbol or abbreviation for the information.3. In target-language production, background knowledge can help the interpreter to monitor the overall style of the interpretation and to identify the specific meaning of the original words and to choose proper language to interpret so as to ensure a good delivery.The thesis has its limitations due to the author’s limited capability. It is hoped that this thesis can enlighten later researchers to go deeper on this topic and attach importance to the application of schema theory in interpreting and translation.