Note-taking in simultaneous interpretation

Summary

In this insightful presentation, Andy Gillis, a freelance interpreter and trainer, discusses the often-overlooked importance of note-taking in simultaneous interpreting. He explains how simple strategies, such as jotting down numbers, names, or key words, can improve the accuracy and fluency of interpretations. Andy also highlights how writing down structural elements, digressions, and contextual information can reduce stress and enhance coherence during live interpretation. By sharing practical techniques, he emphasizes the role of notes in boosting both interpreter confidence and performance, making simultaneous interpreting more effective for both the interpreter and the audience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Note-taking in simultaneous interpreting is useful for both personal efficiency and supporting colleagues in the booth.
• 😀 When helping colleagues in the booth, ensure notes are written in big, clear letters, and avoid distracting them by showing them notes unnecessarily.
• 😀 Do not use symbols or abbreviations in notes for your colleagues, as they might not be clear to everyone.
• 😀 Write down numbers and dates when interpreting, as these details often recur in a speech and can be referenced later for consistency.
• 😀 Writing down names can help with pronunciation accuracy and consistency throughout the speech, especially with challenging names or foreign pronunciations.
• 😀 Long words or technical terms should be written down to avoid mental overload and ensure quicker, more accurate interpretation.
• 😀 Note grammatical items like conjunctions or determiners that help with later sentence structures or agreements, such as 'if' or 'suggest'.
• 😀 Use notes to track the structure of the speech, such as writing down numbered points, to follow the flow and reduce stress.
• 😀 Writing down digressions or tangents in a speech can help you stay focused and later return to the main point without losing track.
• 😀 Contextual information, like comparative figures or stances from different delegates, should be written down for easier interpretation and to better understand the debate.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Andy Gillis's talk in the video?

The main focus of Andy Gillis's talk is on the use of note-taking during simultaneous interpreting. He discusses how interpreters can improve their performance by writing notes for both themselves and their colleagues in the booth.

Why is note-taking important in simultaneous interpreting, according to Andy Gillis?

Note-taking in simultaneous interpreting is important because it helps interpreters manage their mental workload by recording essential information such as numbers, dates, names, long words, and grammatical markers. This ensures better accuracy, reduces stress, and increases efficiency.

What are some essential do's when writing notes for a colleague in the interpreting booth?

Essential do's include writing notes in the middle of the booth where both interpreters can see them, using clear and large letters or numbers, pointing to the relevant note at the moment, and crossing out notes once they are no longer relevant.

What are some key don'ts when writing notes for a colleague in the booth?

Key don'ts include writing notes out of your colleague's view, distracting them by showing your notes unnecessarily, using symbols or abbreviations that may not be clear, and writing down information you're not sure about.

Why should interpreters avoid using pencils in the booth?

Interpreters should avoid using pencils because the sound they make when used can be distracting in the quiet atmosphere of the interpreting booth.

How does note-taking help interpreters with numbers and dates during simultaneous interpreting?

Note-taking helps by allowing interpreters to quickly write down numbers and dates as they are spoken. This makes it easier to refer back to them later in the conversation, especially in debates where numbers or dates may be mentioned multiple times.

How can note-taking assist with interpreting names during a session?

Note-taking helps interpreters by allowing them to write down names as they are spoken. This ensures consistency in pronunciation and spelling, especially when dealing with names from different languages, and reduces the risk of errors.

What is the benefit of writing down long words in the booth?

Writing down long words helps interpreters because it's easier to read them off the page than to try to interpret them every time they come up. This saves mental effort and improves interpreting speed and accuracy.

How does note-taking help with grammatical agreements in interpreting?

Note-taking helps interpreters by reminding them of grammatical agreements, especially in languages with different structures. For example, writing down a word like 'suggest' allows the interpreter to remember that each subsequent item in a list must agree with that word.

What are some techniques for handling speech structure and digressions during interpreting?

Interpreters can write down numbered points or keywords to track the structure of the speech. For digressions, writing down a note such as 'digression' or using brackets can help them stay oriented and ensure they return to the main point later.