Language and memory : note-taking in consecutive interpretation

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to test whether the principles of Relevance Theory are adequate to describe note-taking in consecutive interpretation. This dissertation will analyse traditional theories on note-taking, where notation is described as a personal technique and as an aid to the interpreter’s memory in the transition from reception of message to its delivery. Traditional theories lack the appropriate tools to account for what happens in notetaking. The application of Relevance Theory to note-taking will be investigated in an attempt to explain how this theory can give a more thorough account of note-taking from a cognitive-pragmatic point of view. Note-taking in consecutive interpretation is one of the essential tools in interpreter training and this is the reason why they should be given reasonable importance in Interpretation Theory. Particular attention will be given to cognitive models of interpretation to portray the mental processes involved in interpretation. The notion of cognitive processing capacity management and the role of short and long-term memory in interpretation will be looked into. This study will include an analysis of consecutive notes using the tools provided by Relevance Theory in an attempt to see whether this theory can describe all the different elements in note-taking.