Is there still a place for consecutive interpreting? : a systematic approach to interpreting studies

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is an investigation into conference interpreting with a focus on the use of consecutive interpreting. It emphasizes the importance of consecutive training, the use of consecutive in different working fields and its practice in the Malta context. The first part of the study attempts to give enough reasons “why consecutive is still viable today?” supported by different schools of thought, researchers and international institutions.

The study also sheds light on the meticulous note-taking technique in consecutive interpreting i.e. notes jotted on paper to trigger memory, hence ideas and meaning. Both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting modes are explained in detail giving examples where consecutive is still very much alive today. Moreover, Gile’s Effort Models discusses interpreting as a cognitive problem and highlights the differences between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting with regards to coping tactics and strategies. The second part of this study emphasizes conference interpreting as a cognitive process in a communicative environment, stressing on cognitive elements without which unambiguity in language would remain unresolved. This last chapter also shows the difference between transcoding and interpreting, hence the process of translating “sense” and not language. This is what makes you a good conference interpreter. In conclusion this study attributes the importance of conference interpreting to the study of languages and “multilingualism."