The Main Non-linguistic Obstacles in Interpretation Mashael Al-Mutairi College of Languages & Translation Princess Nora Bint Abdurrahman University

Paper Outline Why Interpretation? Why Interpretation? What is meant by non-linguistic obstacles? What is meant by non-linguistic obstacles? What are the requirements of interpreters? What are the requirements of interpreters? Interpretation & Creativity Interpretation & Creativity Classifications of non-linguistic obstacles in Interpretation Classifications of non-linguistic obstacles in Interpretation

Why Interpretation? Most of the previous studies, based on a general review of literature, focus mainly on the effect of linguistic obstacles on the performance of interpreters and translators, in an assumption that linguistic obstacles have greater effect on the quality of interpretation than non-linguistic obstacles. For this reason, this paper tries to bring the focus on the main non-linguistic obstacles that almost have the same influence on the quality and accuracy of interpretation. Most of the previous studies, based on a general review of literature, focus mainly on the effect of linguistic obstacles on the performance of interpreters and translators, in an assumption that linguistic obstacles have greater effect on the quality of interpretation than non-linguistic obstacles. For this reason, this paper tries to bring the focus on the main non-linguistic obstacles that almost have the same influence on the quality and accuracy of interpretation.

What is meant by Non-linguistic Obstacles in Interpretation? According to the purpose of this paper, a non-linguistic obstacle in interpretation can be defined as any possible source that might hinder the process of comprehending the intended meaning and is not associated with real, linguistic entities in the utterance.

Requirements of Interpreters Interpreters must own certain qualifications to be able to achieve the required task successfully. In addition to the general requirements of the field of translation, interpreters must also meet other specific requirements that include the following: 1. Having a good, sharp memory 2. Mastering both languages equally 3. Having a problem-solving strategy 4. Appreciating the role that non-verbal signals play in communication 5. Having a good background knowledge about the current events

Requirements of Interpreters 6. Being bicultural and bilingual at the same time 7. Being able to use technical facilities 8. Preparing for the speech 9. Following the general ethics of professional interpreting 10. Having a neutral tone of voice and following the same tone of voice and speed of delivery of that of the speaker 11. Realizing that the real function is essentially communication

Interpretation & Creativity Mackenzie (1998) believed that many of the problems that face interpreters are of the open- ended kind, i.e. there are no pre-determined solutions. He also asserted that professional interpreters know from experience that translating, even the most factual texts, usually requires a great deal of creativity. Creative interpreter is the one who has self-confidence given by knowledge and confirmed by experience and he will usually use creative strategies in solving problems relating to the process of interpretation, whether they are linguistic, textual, pragmatic or non-linguistic

Classification of Non-linguistic Obstacles in Interpretation Non-linguistic obstacles occur due to different circumstances. They are essentially classified in this paper into three main classifications. 1. Obstacles that are due to the speaker. 2. Obstacles that are due to interpreters 3. Obstacles that are due to technical aspects

Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to the Speaker 1. Speakers sometimes do not take the pragmatic background of the audience into consideration - Interpreters have to fill any pragmatic gap by making up any unstated information that helps to understand the meaning.

Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to the Speaker 2. The non-verbal signals of the speaker play an important role in determining the intended meaning. The non-verbal signals of the speaker play an important role in determining the intended meaning.- Interpreters should observe the body language and pay attention to its significance. Interpreters should observe the body language and pay attention to its significance.3. If the speaker does not speak fluently or intelligibly. - Effective listening helps interpreters to understand the messages accurately. Effective listening helps interpreters to understand the messages accurately.

Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to the Interpreter 1. Some interpreters are not trained on different types of interpretation. Some interpreters are not trained on different types of interpretation.- Different types of interpretation require different performances and strategies. Different types of interpretation require different performances and strategies.2. The interpreter is not a creative person and has no strategy in his interpretation. - It is important that interpreters are creative in the sense of having a form of problem-solving strategies.

Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to the Interpreter 3. The interpreter is not prepared in advance. The interpreter is not prepared in advance.- It is advisable that interpreters read about the topic of the conference and check on the terminology associated with the topic. It is advisable that interpreters read about the topic of the conference and check on the terminology associated with the topic.4. The interpreter has no logical linking of utterance or fluency of delivery. - Experienced interpreters know that the key is to listen first, understand second and interpret third.

Non-linguistic Obstacles Due to Technical Aspects 1. Booth size and location Booth size and location Interpreters should be trained in different booth sizes and there should be a direct view to the speaker. Interpreters should be trained in different booth sizes and there should be a direct view to the speaker.2. Booth facilities are not good. Interpreters must try to come early to the conference room and check the booth for any possible problem. 3. Interpreters do no cooperate with the technician and lack any technical knowledge. - Interpreters should learn booth/ mike discipline and have a good technical knowledge.

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