Simultaneous Interpretation: Qualitative and Linguistic Data

Abstract

This paper presents qualitative data in relation to a previously reported study on simultaneous interpretation (Barik, 1973). The interpreter's version of a passage may reveal omissions, additions and substitutions or errors of translation. Several categories of each type of event are noted and related to temporal and grammatical attributes of the input material. Other linguistic observations are also made. One critical factor in interpretation is the interpreter's ability to segment the incoming message at linguistically appropriate locations. Failure to do so can lead to a number of difficulties and to inadequate performance. Examples are given.