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The effect of memory training on consecutive interpreting performance by interpreter trainees
An experimental study
- Source: FORUM. Revue internationale d’interprétation et de traduction / International Journal of Interpretation and Translation, Volume 15, Issue 1, Jan 2017, p. 157 - 172
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- 19 Aug 2017
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Abstract
The present study investigates the effect of memory training on the quality of interpreting by Farsi-to-English interpreter trainees, with special attention to diminishing the rate of omission of message elements. Participants were assigned to two groups on the basis of their overall performance on a TOEFL test, with equal division between genders. The control group was taught interpreting skills by the routine curriculum, while the experimental, group spent part of the time on memory training exercises, e.g. imagination and story retelling. Three raters assessed the accuracy of interpreting, omissions, additions, grammar, expression, terminology, pace and accentuation in the trainees’ pre-test and post-test performance. Statistical analysis shows that the memory training had a positive effect on the quality of interpreting, particularly so on decreasing the omission rate. The results have implications for curriculum designers of interpreting programs, material producers and all who are involved in interpreting studies and its pedagogy.