| Omission is always a popular topic in interpreting studies.However,previous studies mostly focused on the impact of controllable factors such as speed and intonation(Liu 2009),with limited attention to the source text complexity.In addition,omissions have been analyzed more as errors than as strategies(P?chhacker 2004).Napier has put forward a comprehensive omission taxonomy that is of great theoretical significance(Napier 2004).However,it has certain methodological problems and is limited to lexical level and sign interpreting mode.Therefore,insufficient studies were carried out on the impact of information density on omissions made by consecutive interpreters.This study invites six interpreter trainees from Beijing Foreign Studies University to interpret an English speech with high information density(55.4%)delivered by David Attenborough on COP26.It analyzes the overall distribution of different types of omissions in the consecutive interpretation of an English speech with high information density;investigates the correlation between information density and occurrence of each type of omissions by resorting to Pearson coefficient and regression analysis;analyzes the reasons for the correlation between the two based on the statistical results and retrospective interviews.The study finds that intentional omissions(38%)and intentional strategic omissions(31%)occur most frequently in the consecutive interpretation of an English speech with high information density,followed by intentional omission(15%)and intentional omission(12%),while intentional omission(4%)share the least percentage.Therefore,in general,high information density imposes the greatest impact on intentional and strategic omissions.As for the correlation between information density and omission occurrence and types,Pearson coefficients and regression analysis suggests information density should be positively correlated with occurrence of omissions.Intentional omissions are the most affected by information density,and intentional strategic omissions are the second.However,no significant correlation has been identified between information density and the occurrence of unconscious,unintentional and receptive omissions and intentional receptive omission.Therefore,higher information density involves stronger metalinguistic awareness.Finally,through analyzing retrospective interviews and statistical results,the study finds that with increase of information density,interpreters face more difficulties in understanding and thus make more intentional omissions;and that as information density increases interpreters omit redundant information more actively and make more strategic omissions.Based on the Napier’s omission taxonomy,this study explores the impact of information density on omissions and puts forward suggestions on how to avoid erroneous omissions and strengthen the awareness of strategic omissions.Therefore,to some extent,it has practical significance.Meanwhile,it identifies and corrects the methodological problems of Napier’s omission theory and tests her taxonomy in consecutive mode.Thus,it is also,to some degree.theoretically significant.Nonetheless,it still has limitations to be improved by future studies.For example,the sample size is small and the classification of omissions is kind of subjective. |
