Style versus strategy in simultaneous interpreting

This paper aims to contribute to the frequently mentioned yet highly under-researched field of what is generally referred to as "style" in simultaneous interpreting. Following a presentation of the concept of style in written translation and a review of the scant specific literature availa...

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Bibliographic Details
Author: Baxter, Robert Neal|||0000-0001-9484-5001
Format: article
Publication Date:2019
Country:España
Institution:Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Repository:Dipòsit Digital de Documents de la UAB
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:ddd.uab.cat:205846
Online Access:https://ddd.uab.cat/record/205846
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Simultaneous interpreting
Style
Lean/abundant
Strategy
Quality
Interpretació simultània
Estil
Concís/explícitador
Estratègia
Qualitat
Description
Summary:This paper aims to contribute to the frequently mentioned yet highly under-researched field of what is generally referred to as "style" in simultaneous interpreting. Following a presentation of the concept of style in written translation and a review of the scant specific literature availablein the field of interpreting, the author argues in favour referring to a general strategic and tactical approach rather than style per se. The paper goes on to present the findings of a preliminary pilot study designed to test the viability of a simplified methodology for potentially gauging such differences between interpreters and the impact different approaches may have on several key quality parameters, ranging from delivery (pauses, self-corrections, false starts, diction), omissions and the correct and accurate transmission of the key ideas conveyed by the original to grammaticality, contradictions and mistranslations. The tentative results confirm those of previous studies, tending to indicate the existence of abundant versus lean approaches, with predominantly lean interpreters encountering difficulties when attempting to deploy an abundant approach. The relative advantages and disadvantages of these opposing approaches is discussed in the light of differing audience needs and expectations.