The Challenges and Coping Strategies of Interpreting Into B and/or C- Language: a Case of Interpretation Into Chinese by Kenyan Interpreters

Abstract

The study is on the challenges and coping strategies used by Kenyan interpreters who interpret into Chinese as either their B or C language. There were 42 respondents in the research who are all working as either freelance or inhouse interpreters. A questionnaire was distributed to the 42 respondents and two speeches were sent to 4 interpreters for observation. From the analysis the following was revealed: Kenyan- Chinese interpreters interpret into Chinese which is a C language for many. However, majority of the interpreters still prefer interpreting into English which is either their B or A language. While interpreting into a C language, the interpreters have several challenges at the deverbalization and reformulation stage. They have therefore come up with coping strategies which are mainly used at the reformulation stage. The challenges and strategies used vary form one interpreter to another depending on their language proficiency, training and experience in interpretation. Regardless of the challenges encountered, the interpreters were able to pass a message.