The Urgency of the Thesis
As globalization advances rapidly, Vietnam is actively engaging in the integration process, leading to increased interest in its international relations However, the disparities in legal systems may create significant barriers to exchanges, impacting the appeal of the country's market and investment opportunities Consequently, there is a critical need for bilingual and multilingual legal understanding.
Legal interpretation is crucial in business exchanges, as it not only translates speech but also incorporates familiar legal terms relevant to the listeners' legal frameworks, enhancing their understanding of complex issues The existence of diverse legal systems across nations has led to an increase in legal conferences and seminars, highlighting the need for continuous learning and improvement Additionally, international disputes underscore the significance of these events, presenting valuable opportunities for interpreters who are proficient in English and possess a solid understanding of legal concepts.
Despite the steady growth of interpretation institutions in Vietnam, there are currently no dedicated courses or schools for legal interpretation This absence creates significant challenges for beginners entering the field, as they face a lack of guidance and orientation.
For the reasons above, the topic “Obstacles to accurate and fluent legal interpretation and feasible solutions to these problems” is chosen as the title of this thesis
Research Objectives
This article aims to clarify the characteristics of legal English in interpretation, identify key challenges in legal interpretation, and propose practical solutions to address these issues.
The tasks mentioned will hopefully facilitate interpreters in Vietnam when interpreting in legal events.
Research Subject
This thesis categorizes research subjects into two primary groups: knowledge and skills The importance of acquiring legal knowledge stems from the distinctions between general English and legal English, as well as the need for precise use of legal terminology Additionally, language skills such as listening, speaking, note-taking, and memorization serve as essential tools for interpreters in their professional tasks Consequently, it is imperative to enhance the language skills of legal interpreters.
Scope of Research
Due to the limitation of accessible materials and the time frame fixed for this research, I will narrow the thesis as follows:
Firstly, this thesis analyzes the transliterating process of spoken form, not explaining law or legal norm wihch is another meaning of the phrase “legal interpretation”
Secondly, the interpretation process mentioned in this thesis is from English to Vietnamese and vice versa
Thirdly, although there are many types of interpretation, this thesis forcus mainly on the form of consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation
Research Methodologies
This thesis employs synthesis analysis and contextual analysis methods to enhance understanding Synthesis analysis integrates and compares various works from both domestic and international authors, alongside practical experiences, to provide a comprehensive overview In contrast, contextual analysis ensures precise interpretation of terms and phrases, minimizing ambiguity and preventing misunderstandings.
Research Structure
This thesis is divided into three (03) chapters
Chapter 2: Obstacles to accurate and fluent legal interpretation
Chapter 3: Feasible solutions to these problems
OVERVIEW OF INTERPRETATION
Types of interpretation
Although interpretation is classifiable into various categories, it is divided into two general categories of consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation
In consecutive interpretation, interpreters listen to speakers, take notes, and then convey the message in the target language after a brief speech This method allows interpreters ample time to organize their thoughts, refine sentence structures, and choose precise vocabulary.
Consecutive interpretation is commonly utilized in international conferences and various situations, including discussions between Heads of State, legal professionals and clients, healthcare providers and patients, as well as tour guides and tourists.
Simultaneous interpretation involves interpreters translating a speaker's words in real-time, closely aligning with the delivery of the source language This method is particularly effective for small events, where whispered interpretation can be employed to minimize disruption for both speakers and audiences In whispered interpretation, interpreters sit behind an individual participant, providing an immediate translation exclusively for that person.
In conferences utilizing simultaneous interpretation, interpreters work from soundproof booths, where they listen to speakers via earphones and convey the message through a microphone Participants follow along by using headsets to hear the interpreters' translations.
Rules of interpretation
In order to have an excellent interpretation, there are some rules that interpreters need to follow
Interpreters must adhere strictly to the original content, refraining from altering, adding, or omitting any part of their assigned work They are prohibited from answering questions independently or expressing personal feelings during the interpretation process To maintain clarity and prevent ambiguity, interpreters should avoid using slang and polysemous words in their translations.
Effective interpretation relies on clear pronunciation and a strong voice, as these elements are crucial for conveying the intended message Additionally, the speed at which interpreters deliver their speech significantly impacts the quality of the interpretation To ensure that listeners can easily follow and comprehend the content, interpreters must maintain an appropriate speaking pace.
The final guideline emphasizes that the topic chosen for interpretation should align with the interpreters' expertise and capabilities This is crucial because interpretation is a complex task that demands not only linguistic skills but also a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Interpreters require both linguistic and knowledge competence, which includes fluency in at least two languages—the source and target languages—along with a strong grasp of general vocabulary and specialized terminology Additionally, they must possess foundational knowledge across various fields relevant to their work, ensuring their understanding is sufficient for effective interpretation (Khoa 2019, p.64-93).
Characteristics of legal interpretation
Legal interpretation is a specialized field focused on understanding and applying laws, which are sets of rules governing societal behavior The outcome of legal interpretation extends beyond mere language; it has significant legal implications and consequences As noted by Caton (1963), the language used in legal contexts is a form of technical language that complements ordinary language, similar to the specialized terminologies found in fields like physics and mathematics.
Legal interpretation uniquely intersects legal theory, language theory, and translation theory, showcasing distinct characteristics that differentiate it from other areas of interpretation (Cao 2007, p.7).
The language of law, like any technical language, consists of complex lexicons and expressions that can be challenging to understand Berukstiene (2016) categorizes legal vocabulary into three distinct groups to highlight its specific features.
(3) Shared, common or unmarked vocabulary
As clarify by Berukstiene (2016), the first group of legal lexicons is the existence of terminology which “are used exclusively in legal context and are not
Legal English is characterized by a unique set of technical lexicons, heavily influenced by Latin and archaic compound adverbs, which contribute to its complexity Key Latin terms such as "actus reus" (guilty act) and "pro bono" (for the public good) are essential, while phrases like "hereinafter" and "without prejudice" exemplify legalese In Vietnamese legal terminology, Sino-Vietnamese plays a significant role, accounting for 93% of core legal terms in the Civil Code, as highlighted by Tien (1999) Despite their complexity, these terms enhance the precision and conciseness of legal language Additionally, reduplication, involving doublets and triplets of near synonyms, is prevalent in legal English, with examples including "false and untrue" and "full and complete."
Legal language comprises specific words and phrases that, while commonly used in everyday conversation, carry distinct meanings in legal contexts For instance, the term "sentence" in general English refers to a group of words that conveys a thought, typically including a verb However, in legal terminology, it assumes a more specialized definition that is crucial for understanding legal proceedings.
In the legal context, a sentence often refers to a type of punishment defined by law, and it typically begins with a capital letter when written Vietnamese legal language incorporates specific terminology, such as "tài sản" (property), "doanh nghiệp" (enterprise), and "đại diện" (representative), each of which carries precise legal definitions that differ from their everyday usage.
The final category of legal lexicons includes terms commonly used in everyday language that appear in legal texts, retaining their original meanings without adopting new interpretations from specialized contexts (Berukstiene 2016) Examples of these words include
“agree” and “yêu cầu” are examples in English and Vietnamese respectively
Legal lexicon is a fundamental aspect of legal language, with each legal system possessing its own distinct vocabulary This unique terminology has been the focus of numerous studies, highlighting its significance in understanding legal communication (Cao 2007, p.20).
Cao (2007) highlights that legal language is characterized by a formal, impersonal style that is often complex and lengthy, reflecting the intricate nature of legislative law While legal documents are not typically read verbatim in speech, the sentences used in legal contexts tend to be longer to effectively clarify the subject matter Additionally, legal language frequently incorporates conditions and exceptions to address potential circumstances Other distinctive features of legal English include nominalizations, complex structures, passive voice, multiple negations, and prepositional phrases According to Berukstiene (2016), Varo and Hughes emphasize that the passive voice is employed to maintain focus on the action or rule rather than the subject performing it.
1 https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sentence
In the legal field, decisions are often based on the actions taken rather than the characteristics of the individuals involved A notable aspect of this is the morphological distinction between active and passive parties, exemplified by terms such as "employer" and "employee" or "grantor" and "grantee."
Legal interpretation has gained significant importance in recent decades, particularly during international legal conferences and seminars where experts from various nations analyze critical issues such as international economic partnerships, comparative legal penalties, and the implications of maritime disputes on Vietnam's environment Court interpretation is also essential, especially for Vietnamese individuals who struggle with English in legal settings; court interpreters facilitate communication by translating proceedings accurately between English and Vietnamese Despite being bilingual in everyday situations, the complex language used in court can be challenging to navigate, underscoring the vital role of interpreters in legal contexts involving foreign elements Additionally, legal interpreters are often engaged in workshops and training sessions to ensure that participants grasp all technical terminology accurately Given the serious nature of these events, interpreters frequently work under considerable pressure.
In legal interpretation, interpreters often encounter complex sentences from speakers, which can pose challenges for clarity It raises the question of whether interpreters can effectively break down these lengthy statements into shorter, more understandable sentences, ultimately leading to a more concise speaking time.
Interpreters often face challenges during the interpretation process, as they strive to convey ideas more effectively than the original message This raises the question of whether they should maintain the speaker's original intent or enhance the statement, potentially leading to longer speaking times Such decisions can create significant obstacles for interpreters in delivering accurate and coherent translations.
In summary, legal interpretation encompasses unique characteristics related to its language and context, alongside its common features The technical language of law is marked by distinctive elements in both lexicon and syntax, including specialized vocabulary and complex sentence structures Furthermore, the context within legal interpretation tends to be more stringent and can impose greater pressure on individuals compared to other fields.
OBSTACLES TO ACCURATE AND FLUENT LEGAL
Obstacles to accurate legal interpretation
1.1 Different legal systems and laws
Different legal systems and laws present significant challenges for interpreters, particularly with legal concepts As Cao (2007, p.53) notes, "words are the building blocks of language," highlighting the importance of legal terminology as a critical aspect of technical language and a source of difficulty in legal interpretation.
The legal concept is defined as the "abstraction of the generic legal thought and rules within a legal system" (Cao 2007, p.54), which presents challenges in interpretation One significant issue is whether a legal concept in one language can be accurately translated into another, given that legal systems are shaped by various factors, including historical origins, sources of law, and court procedures For instance, in Common Law, "consideration" refers to "any lawful alteration of responsibilities given in exchange for another's consideration" (Robert 2009, p.105) and is essential for an enforceable agreement, alongside offer, acceptance, and obligating mutuality In contrast, the concept of "consideration" does not exist in Vietnamese law.
As mentioned above, one specific feature of legal language is the use of legal unique vocabulary Cao (2007, p.60-66) categorized this feature into three (03) types
The legal profession presents unique challenges for interpreters, particularly when it comes to terminology A key example is the distinction between lawyers in England and Vietnam, where the titles "solicitors" and "barristers" highlight significant differences in legal roles and responsibilities.
In Vietnam, the roles of luật sư tư vấn (consulting lawyers) and luật sư tranh tụng (litigating lawyers) differ significantly in nature, unlike the clear distinctions between solicitors and barristers in England While English law mandates a separation of duties and training for these legal professions, Vietnamese lawyers receive the same training and certification for both consulting and litigation roles.
Legal terminology can create confusion for listeners, particularly due to the varying structures of court systems across different countries For instance, England's court hierarchy includes seven main levels, such as the House of Lords and the Supreme Court, while Vietnam's system comprises the District People's Courts and the Supreme People's Court, among others This difference in court roles necessitates that interpreters consider jurisdictional variations to ensure accurate content interpretation Additionally, the existence of diverse legal divisions and branches, each with its own specialized vocabulary, emphasizes the need for interpreters to possess a solid legal foundation in both the source and target languages.
Cultural awareness is another issue that should be taken into serious consideration since a misinterpretation or misunderstanding might bring about disastrous consequences Misinterpretation is caused by the inability of interpreters
Linguistic barriers can lead to misunderstandings, especially when cultural interpretations of events or concepts differ (Son and Nghi, 2019, p 1998) In the legal field, these cultural issues are closely linked to the legal systems associated with both the source and target languages, as well as the societies they represent (Son and Nghi, 2019, p 118).
Legal metaphors necessitate that interpreters remain culturally aware to accurately convey messages, especially when unfamiliar with specific meanings An example is the doctrine of "fruit of the poisonous tree," which refers to evidence that is inadmissible in court due to illegal acquisition This metaphor, rooted in Christian doctrine, significantly influences the Common Law system Without understanding such culturally specific metaphors, interpreters struggle to provide accurate translations.
Cultural differences significantly impact the sources of law, with Civil law primarily relying on written legal codes, while Common law emphasizes case law and precedents For example, the Miranda Warning, stemming from the landmark case Miranda vs Arizona, is a mandatory notification given by police to suspects prior to interrogation, ensuring the admissibility of their statements in court However, due to cultural and historical contexts, translating "Miranda Warning" as "Khuyến cáo Miranda" could lead to confusion and misunderstanding, highlighting the challenges of conveying legal concepts across different cultures.
“Khuyến cáo về quyền im lặng”, instead (Son and Nghi 2019, p.118)
2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_of_the_poisonous_tree
3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miranda_warning
Obstacles to fluent legal interpretation
Note-taking is an essential skill for interpreters, aiding not only in memory retention but also in replicating the structure of speech While often associated with consecutive interpretation, James Nolan (2005) emphasizes its importance in simultaneous interpretation as well For instance, it allows interpreters to quickly record jargon, figures, names, and proposed wording during meetings and drafting sessions Consequently, mastering note-taking can present challenges that interpreters must address to achieve fluency in their work.
Legal conferences often present complex and technical information, making it challenging for interpreters to accurately replicate speeches As interpreters strive to capture as much detail as possible, their notes can devolve into shorthand, leading to a mere sequence of words rather than a true re-expression of the speaker's ideas This reliance on notes may result in a transliteration that fails to convey the original message effectively According to James Nolan, it is unnecessary to note everything, as a single word can encompass multiple ideas while a lengthy phrase may convey only one.
Furthermore, when interpreters make an attempt to write down, they may miss out on the speakers’ ideas or main information
Interpreters follow a three-step process: understanding, analyzing, and re-expressing However, if they overly rely on their notes, it can hinder their ability to achieve genuine understanding of the material.
The legal interpreting process transcends mere translation of legal terminology; it requires a comprehensive understanding and analysis of different legal systems A failure to grasp the interconnectedness of these elements can lead to inaccurate interpretations, highlighting the importance of thorough comprehension in effective legal interpretation.
Interpreters often struggle with the challenge of misinterpreting their own notes, which can stem from illegible handwriting Additionally, when individuals attempt to transcribe every word without connecting phrases, their notes become a disjointed collection of sentences This not only leads to potential embarrassment for interpreters but also diminishes productivity when using note-taking for interpretation.
The take-note technique assists interpreters in reformulating speakers’ ideas, but reliance on notes alone is insufficient due to the vital role of memory Explicit memory enables interpreters to swiftly recall essential information and data, which is crucial for meeting the demands of completeness, accuracy, and fidelity in interpretation (Hung 2007, p.83) Therefore, interpreters must utilize both long-term and short-term memory, as each serves a distinct purpose in the interpreting process and varies across different types of interpretation.
Consecutive interpretation involves interpreters listening to a message and then conveying it in another language, relying heavily on short-term memory and effective note-taking A key challenge for interpreters is how to enhance their memory retention and facilitate immediate translation through recall, primarily using their notes.
In the second mode of interpretation, interpreters must simultaneously reproduce speech in the target language while memorizing upcoming content This dual task requires the use of short-term memory and intense concentration to ensure that no information is overlooked.
Roderick Jones (2014) highlights the significant role of context in the memory retention of interpreters, emphasizing that a speech is composed of various contexts that must be properly identified He asserts that if interpreters cannot discern the beginning of a context, they are unlikely to navigate the content effectively Furthermore, he notes that a conclusion serves as a crucial summary; interpreters who overlook it risk misrepresenting the speech's main ideas, leading to confusion among listeners.
Listening comprehension is a crucial linguistic skill for interpreters, yet the tonal nature of Vietnamese contrasts with the intonational structure of English, creating challenges in this area Furthermore, research by Nguyen Quoc Hung (2007, p.48) indicates that many translation errors and low-quality interpretations stem from deficiencies in listening comprehension.
To effectively convey speakers' ideas, interpreters must clearly understand the messages and reformulate them without a word-for-word repetition This requires interpreters to analyze the structure of the ideas presented, which relies on their ability to comprehend each concept through active listening.
17 separately That means the process of interpreting consists of three stages namely understanding, analyzing, and re-expressing
The initial stage of interpretation is influenced by several factors Primarily, interpreters must have a solid grasp of the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of the speaker's language to comprehend the underlying ideas, as understanding is not solely based on words (Roderick 2014, p.11) Additionally, a lack of familiarity with the subject matter, especially regarding technical terminology, further complicates this process.
Interpreters often face challenges when speakers use local languages that are delivered too quickly or softly To effectively manage these situations, interpreters need to possess both experience and skill.
Interpreters can often comprehend every word spoken by a speaker, yet they may struggle to grasp the overall viewpoint or message being conveyed This challenge arises when speakers either avoid directly addressing the topic or fail to provide clarity in their communication (Huy 2019, p.104).
In 1967, Albert Mehrabian identified that effective communication comprises three components: words (7%), voice tone (38%), and body language (55%) (Nhat, 2012, p 59) Consequently, interpreters face significant challenges as they must master not only their own body language but also select precise vocabulary and enhance their vocal delivery.
FEASIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THESE PROBLEMS
Solutions to accurate legal interpretation
1.1 Cognitive effort to study the legal systems of both source language and target language
Interpreting legal terms between English and Vietnamese requires a deep understanding of the legal concepts inherent in both legal systems Since these concepts are shaped by their respective legal frameworks and societal contexts, it is essential to have comprehensive knowledge of both the source and target legal systems to accurately translate legal concepts This expertise is crucial for precise legal interpretation and translation (Son and Nghi 2019, p.135).
However, there are also a lot of law branchs which are to regulate a sort of certain social field such as civil, criminal, administrative or constitutional (Thanh
In 2016, it was noted that various branches of law have distinct legal concepts and terminology, making it essential for interpreters to focus on specific areas for in-depth study For instance, when participating in a conference on business organization, interpreters should be well-versed in key terms like "enterprise" to ensure effective communication.
In the context of business structures such as enterprises, cooperatives, household businesses, and state enterprises, it is essential for interpreters to accurately differentiate between various types of penalties in criminal law These penalties include warnings, fines, non-custodial reforms, expulsions, term imprisonment, life imprisonment, and the death penalty Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective communication in legal settings.
1.2 Studying specific feutures of legal languages
Legal English is increasingly characterized by the use of Latin words and legalese, making it essential for interpreters to familiarize themselves with commonly used Latin terms Key examples include "ad hoc," which refers to something specific to a particular case, and "alibi," highlighting the importance of understanding these terms for effective legal interpretation.
In Vietnamese legal terminology, understanding key concepts such as "chứng cứ ngoại phạm" (alibi), "actus reus" (criminal act), "bona fide" (in good faith), "de facto" (in practice), and "de jure" (legally) is essential Additionally, recognizing the appropriate "forum" (competent court) is crucial for navigating the legal system Consequently, it is mandatory for individuals to learn Sino-Vietnamese vocabulary to grasp the precise meanings of these terms effectively.
Solutions to fluent legal interpretation
Listening comprehension poses a significant challenge for Vietnamese interpreters, primarily due to the structural differences between Vietnamese, a tonal language, and English, which is an intonational language (Hung, 2007, p 49).
When it comes to listening skills, it is compulsory to specify the listening purpose (Hung 2007, p.49) Nguyen Quoc Hung cites in “Interpreting Techniques
In the context of English-Vietnamese and Vietnamese-English interpretation, there are six distinct listening purposes that serve as strategies for interpreters to enhance their practice Since comprehension is the primary objective of listening, these strategies are essential for both consecutive and simultaneous interpreters.
Sentences primarily consist of two types of words: content words and structure words Sentence stress emphasizes content words, guiding interpreters to identify and concentrate on the key elements of a speaker's message (Nhat 2016, p.24).
Effective communication relies on key elements within sentences, such as in the example “We will sign the contract tomorrow,” which highlights the crucial words “sign,” “contract,” and “tomorrow.” These essential terms allow interpreters to grasp the overall message In discussions about signing dates, the single word “tomorrow” suffices for interpreters to understand the context (Hung 2006, p.50).
Listening for gist involves general thematic understanding without any focus on specific details or discrete information Rather, it is often done at a shallow level of attention 5
Joseph Siegel (2018) identifies several cognitive processes essential for effective listening for gist, including recognizing primary sentence stress, distinguishing between lexical and grammatical words, and identifying key lexical items and major constituents.
To effectively practice listening for gist, interpreters should select videos with subtitles, using the title to anticipate the content and focusing on key words during their first listen Subsequently, they should re-watch the video with subtitles for better comprehension It's beneficial to choose videos on topics of interest, particularly those related to the legal field, to enhance their vocabulary with both general and technical terms.
After capturing the main idea in the speech of speakers, interpreters must practice to have control over every supporting detail which is the detail’s gist (Hung
2006, p.50) However, there is the presence of more important supporting details,
5 https://www.academia.edu/36930159/Listening_for_Gist
6 https://www.academia.edu/36930159/Listening_for_Gist
7 https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/five-essential-listening-skills-english-learners
According to Nguyen Quoc Hung, approximately 40% of spoken language consists of non-essential words, with important messages often repeated Consequently, interpreters must skillfully distinguish essential information from non-essential content to ensure effective communication.
Interpreters face the challenge of not having time to write everything down, as speakers typically do not pause for dictation The listening and dictating technique serves as a crucial transitional step towards advanced listening skills, emphasizing the importance of vocabulary and syntax accuracy This technique demands high levels of visualization, concentration, and reformulation, as interpreters must transcribe every word precisely without alterations, paraphrasing, or summarization (Nhat 2016, p.33) Nguyen Quoc Hung (2006, p.59) outlines a three-step approach to effectively practice this technique.
- Listen to the whole text one time
- Listen to 2-3 sentences at normal speed, and then pause to write them down
- Listen again for checking and correction
To effectively enhance interpreting skills, it is essential to gradually increase lesson difficulty Initially, practicing with slow-speed speech, such as that from VOA news, is recommended, allowing interpreters to dictate sentence by sentence As proficiency grows, interpreters should transition to normal-speed speech and aim to dictate three or more sentences at a time (Hung 2006, p.59).
Dictogloss is a method where interpreters take concise notes to reconstruct the speaker's message, ensuring that both the meaning and style closely align with the original speech (Nhat 2016, p.35).
Dictogloss is an effective technique that enhances attention to precise meaning, enabling interpreters to convey the complete message with minimal notes However, it necessitates a strong command of vocabulary, grammar, and associations (Hung 2006, p.60).
There are four (04) exercises for interpreters to practice this technique (Hung
- Elicit relevant vocabulary and background knowledge relating to a topic
- Listen to the recording at normal speed without any pauses for the first time Just focus on listening and remembering
- Listen again and jot down some important content words
- Finally, reconstruct the text from your memory and what you have written down
Interpreters must recognize the diverse varieties of English spoken across different regions, as familiarity with various accents and non-standard language is essential in today's globalized world In the context of Vietnam's growing international and regional integrations, it is crucial for learners to improve their listening skills and pragmatic competencies to succeed as interpreters.
Interpreters must focus on identifying the main ideas of a speech to create a structured outline (Roderick 2014, p.41) By employing a subject-verb-object analysis, interpreters can effectively reproduce the speech fluidly, transitioning smoothly between ideas.
Interpreters must pay close attention to the connections and separations between ideas, as these elements are crucial for understanding the causal relationships in speakers' arguments (Nhat 2016, p.42) Key linking phrases include logical consequences (e.g., "as a result," "therefore"), logical causes (e.g., "because," "due to"), oppositions (e.g., "but," "however"), additional information (e.g., "moreover," "furthermore"), and conditional situations (e.g., "if," "unless") (Nhat 2016, p.42) Understanding these links enhances the interpreter's ability to convey the intended meaning accurately.
Understanding the timeline of events is crucial for delegates, making the choice of verb tense essential (Roderick 2014, p.42) Additionally, paying attention to modal verbs can significantly impact the interpretation of the speech, as these elements greatly influence its overall meaning.
Interpretation techniques
To achieve optimal performance, interpreters must maintain sustained mental alertness and be knowledgeable about fundamental subjects (Nhat, 2016) With over 20 years of experience, Le Huy Khoa (2019) emphasizes that thorough preparation is crucial for successful interpretation Therefore, it is essential for interpreters to engage in comprehensive preparation before undertaking any interpretation tasks.
Interpreters must maintain high levels of attention and concentration during lengthy events, necessitating adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular exercise to perform effectively (Nhat 2016, p.21).
In international conferences and seminars, interpreters must gather essential information to effectively facilitate communication Key resources include the event agenda, which outlines specific themes and helps interpreters understand the event's organization (Nhat 2016, p.21) Additionally, interpreters can enhance their knowledge of relevant terminology, laws, and codes associated with the topics discussed To tackle complex concepts, they should research documents in both the source and target languages beforehand Furthermore, preparing a list of speakers enables interpreters to familiarize themselves with the presenters, ensuring a smoother interpretation process.
33 interpreters can avoid being confused if there are unfamiliar names such as the name in Japanese, Korean, or Chinese
In the legal field, interpreters are advised to research prior speeches, articles, and scholarly works of speakers to better understand their perspectives on relevant topics Additionally, gathering related documents is a beneficial practice for professional interpreters, as it allows them to prepare technical terminology in both Vietnamese and English (Khoa 2019, p.52).
Interpreters should engage in conversations with event speakers to understand their speaking style and language preferences This interaction helps clarify any signals or cues that may assist interpreters in accurately conveying the speakers' messages, especially if they encounter difficulties in comprehension during the presentation.
To ensure successful interpretation, it is essential to prepare necessary materials, such as printing documents and organizing them in the order of delivery Interpreters should also have glasses if they experience visual difficulties, allowing them to clearly see the presentation screen during events Additionally, having a notebook and writing instruments, like a pen or pencil, is crucial for taking notes efficiently (Khoa 2019, p.53-54).
Memory functions differently in consecutive and simultaneous interpreting because the duration of memory is longer in consecutive interpretation than in simultaneous interpretation 8
Interpreters enhance their short-term memory through various techniques, as it significantly impacts the quality of their interpretation While long-term memory develops through experiences such as learning and research, effective short-term memory strategies are essential for interpreters to perform at their best.
8 https://translationjournal.net/journal/25interpret.htm
According to Duong (2006, p.38), interpreters may use some methods called retelling in the source language, shadowing exercise, and mnemonic in practicing
The retelling in the source language method requires interpreters to reformulate speech without notes, aiming to closely mirror the original wording Duong (2006, p.39) emphasizes the importance of categorizing and generalizing information in this process Categorization involves grouping similar items to identify logical connections, while generalization entails deriving overarching conclusions from specific examples, ensuring that the full meaning is preserved, especially during lengthy or detailed speeches.
Lonergan (1999) advocates for the use of shadowing as an effective training method for simultaneous interpretation This technique requires learners to listen to audio material while simultaneously repeating the announcer's words Trainees typically begin to echo the speaker after they have completed a half-sentence or full sentence, maintaining a lag of approximately five to ten seconds (Duong 2006, p.39) Recommended materials for this practice include audio recordings or videotapes that feature diverse pronunciations and unfamiliar accents.
Interpreters often practice with lengthy speeches lasting up to five minutes, beginning by summarizing the main idea before addressing questions to delve into supporting details This technique enhances memory capacity for trainees in both consecutive and simultaneous interpretation.
Interpreters can enhance their memory capacity through various techniques Concentration is crucial for improving short-term memory, as highlighted by Nguyen Quang Nhat (2016, p.52) By focusing intently on the task at hand, interpreters can better retain and recall information.
Utilizing techniques such as the "frozen-eyes" method, which encourages interpreters to maintain focused attention on speakers, and the "volume-down" technique, which minimizes background noise during listening, can significantly enhance memory retention Additionally, organizing information into groups is an effective strategy for improving memory training.
3.3 Practicing for listening and reproduction at the same time
According to Magdalena Bartlomiejczyk (2006), beginners should engage with accessible source language texts to effectively balance listening and production skills Seleskovitch and Lederer (1989) recommend using popular tales like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White for practice, where learners listen to the story in English and retell it in their native language, and vice versa As learners progress, they can increase the difficulty by utilizing postcards or videos from reputable international sources like CNN and BBC News Additionally, videos related to politics or law can help learners become familiar with legal terminology and content.
Kurz (1992) proposes a technique for interpreters to improve their skills by responding to a sequence of yes/no questions without pauses This method requires interpreters to answer each question in complete sentences, thereby enhancing their fluency and comprehension in interpreting tasks.
“Are there six (06) primary sentences against criminals?” – “No, there are seven
Trainees must actively listen to new questions while responding to previous ones, which enhances their cognitive skills The complexity of the questions escalates progressively, covering essential aspects such as how, what, when, where, and why This structured approach not only challenges the participants but also aids in developing their critical thinking abilities.
Besides preparing for knowledge and language skills, interpreters must pay attention to the interpretation training to gain the best productivity There are some suggestions interpreters should consider before practicing