Note Taking and Directionality: an Investigation of the Effect of Language Choice in Note Taking by Trainee Interpreters

Abstract

This study set out to investigate language choice in note taking by trainee interpreters, errors arising from poor note taking and and the impact of directionality in faithful rendition. To do so, the study analysed renditions by four respondents working into their A languages. From the analysis of collected data it was established that trainee interpreters prefer taking notes in their A language. The study found that trainee interpreters encounter difficulties when reading back their notes during reformulation. They therefore commit errors such as repetition, omission, replacement and addition which affect the accuracy of the message. Another observation was that directionality in note taking to a large extent affects performance. Although trainers and scholars recommend that trainee interpretes take their notes in the target language, most of the students will take notes in their A language. The study concluded that indeed that the choice of language in note taking not only affects rendition in terms of accuracy and faithfulness but the quality of delivery as well. Among the recommedations is that trainee interpreters should be encouraged to work into their other languages apart from the A language to give them a broader picture of the profession. While working into the A language is most comfortable, it should not be assumed that occasions will not arise in real life where one would be required to work into other languages.