Influence of Source Culture Knowledge on the Quality of Interpreting: the Case of Chinese Interpretation in Kenya

Abstract

This study entails an investigation into the influence of source culture knowledge on Chinese-English interpreting in Kenya. Chinese interpretation is new in the Kenyan market with very few qualified interpreters and therefore this study aimed at analyzing how knowledge of Chinese culture affects the quality of interpreting of Chinese-English interpreters in Kenya. The study was guided by Nida‟s theory of dynamic equivalence. The research was conducted through Focus Group Discussions to analyze general perceptions of interpreters on the differences between Chinese and English culture and how it emanates in the language. Data was also collected through direct observation of interpretation of speeches with culturally loaded words and expressions. This was done by amateur interpreters with little cultural knowledge and contrasted with the renditions of professional interpreters with deep cultural knowledge. This was followed by an analysis of the speeches to look for errors and omissions during interpretation and what influence that had on the understanding of the message. The research established that an in-depth understanding of source culture knowledge led to fewer omissions and errors. The study shows why there is a need to increase interpreter training for Chinese- English interpreter and need for trained interpreters to emerge themselves in the source culture to give more interpretations that are effective