Across Languages and Cultures
Volume/Issue:
Volume 25: Issue 1
Understanding interpreters' ad hoc knowledge: An empirical study based on English–Chinese simultaneous interpreting
Authors:
Lan Li School of Foreign Studies, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China

Search for other papers by Lan Li in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9974-6827
and
Mingjiong Chai Graduate Institute of Interpretation and Translation, Shanghai International Studies University, China

Search for other papers by Mingjiong Chai in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
Pages:
24–47
Online Publication Date:
10 Jun 2024
Publication Date:
10 Jun 2024
Article Category:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1556/084.2023.00350
Keywords:
ad hoc knowledge; domain knowledge; preparation; simultaneous interpreting; empirical study
Restricted access

Abstract

This study investigates ad hoc knowledge in interpreting – knowledge specifically relevant to an interpreting task, usually acquired by interpreters at pre-service and in-service stages. A quasi-experiment asked eight English–Chinese professional interpreters to prepare for and interpret two speeches with different degrees of specialisation. Five datasets were collected: (1) screen and video recordings of their preparation processes; (2) their responses to a follow-up questionnaire; (3) their scores and answers on a domain knowledge test; (4) their interpreting performance, rated by both professional interpreters and domain experts; (5) the speaker's answers to a few open questions on domain knowledge. Parts of the first and second datasets were used to examine what ad hoc knowledge the interpreters needed; the remaining three datasets, together with recording data from the first, were used to investigate the extent of their need for this knowledge. The findings show that ad hoc knowledge is domain-relevant, yet its scope is highly interpreting-specific, being neither deep nor wide; and it is by nature different from domain knowledge, mainly including speech-relevant expressive knowledge about certain domain(s) and the contextual knowledge interpreters use in their preparation. The implications of these findings for interpreting practice and training are also discussed.

  • Albl-Mikasa, M. (2012). The importance of being not too earnest: A process- and experience-based model of interpreter competence. In B. Ahrens, M. Albl-Mikasa, & C. Sasse (Eds.), Dolmetschqualität in praxis, lehre und forschung. Festschrift für Sylvia Kalina (pp. 59–92). Narr.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Alexander, P. A., Schallert, D. L., & Hare, V. C. (1991). Coming to terms: How researchers in learning and literacy talk about knowledge. Review of Educational Research, 61(3), 315–343.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Anderson, L. (1979). Simultaneous interpretation: Contextual and translation aspects. Doctoral dissertation. Concordia University.

  • Álvarez-Pérez, B., & Díaz, J. P.-L. (2022). Interpreter preparation in the interpreting classroom environment. A study on the usefulness of terminological glossaries. The Interpreters’ Newsletter, 27, 129–146.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cambridge (n.d.). Domain. In Cambridge.org dictionary. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/domain.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chang, C.-C., Wu, M. M.-C., & Kuo, T.-C. G. (2018). Conference interpreting and knowledge acquisition. Interpreting, 20(2), 204–231.

  • Chen, H., Wang, Y., & Brown, T. P. (2021). The effects of topic familiarity on information completeness, fluency, and target language quality of student interpreters in Chinese-English consecutive interpreting. Across Languages and Cultures, 22(2), 176–191.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Collins (n.d.). Domain. In Collinsdictionary.com dictionary. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/domain.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Díaz-Galaz, S. (2011). The effect of previous preparation in simultaneous interpreting: Preliminary results. Across Languages and Cultures, 12(2), 173–191.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Díaz-Galaz, S. (2020). Listening and comprehension in interpreting : Questions that remain open. Translation and Interpreting Studies, 15(2), 304–323.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Díaz-Galaz, S., Padilla, P., & Bajo, M. T. (2015). The role of advance preparation in simultaneous interpreting: A comparison of professional interpreters and interpreting students. Interpreting, 17(1), 1–25.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dillinger, M. (1989). Component processes of simultaneous interpreting. Doctoral dissertation. McGill University.

  • Dillinger, M. (1994). Comprehension during interpreting: What do interpreters know that bilinguals don’t? In S. Lambert, & B. Moser-Mercer (Eds.), Bridging the gap: Empirical research in simultaneous interpretation (pp. 155–189). John Benjamins.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ding, Y. (2015). The effect of domain knowledge on consecutive interpreting performance: An experimental study with student interpreters. Doctoral dissertation. University of Auckland].

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Domain Knowledge (2023, April 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_knowledge.

  • Fantinuoli, C. (2017). Computer-assisted preparation in conference interpreting. Translation and Interpreting, 9(2), 24–37.

  • Gile, D. (2002). The interpreter’s preparation for technical conferences: Methodological questions in investigating the topic. Conference Interpretation and Translation, 4(2), 7–27.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gile, D. (2011a). Basic concepts and models for interpreter and translator training. Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.

  • Gile, D. (2011b). Empirical research into the role of knowledge in interpreting: Methodological aspects. In H. V. Dam, J. Engberg, & H. Gerzymisch-Arbogast (Eds.), Knowledge systems and translation (pp. 149–171). De Gruyter, Inc.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Han, C. (2015). Lacunae, myths and legends about conference interpreters: A diary study to explore conference interpreting practice in China. Perspectives, 23(3), 440–457.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Han, C. (2016). A survey to profile conference interpreting practice in China. Interpreting, 18(2), 259–272.

  • Jiang, H. (2013). The interpreter’s glossary in simultaneous interpreting: A survey. Interpreting, 15(1), 74–93.

  • Kalina, S. (2000). Interpreting competences as a basis and a goal for teaching. The Interpreters’ Newsletter, 10, 3–32.

  • Keiser, W. (1978). Selection and training of conference interpreters. In D. Gerver, & H. W. Sinaiko (Eds.), Language interpretation and communication (pp. 11–24). Springer.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lederer, M. (2014). Translation: The interpretive model. translated by N. Larché. Routledge.

  • Liu, H. (2002). Technical interpretation and quality assessment. Shanghai Journal of Translators for Science and Technology, 1, 33–37.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Liu, M. (2009). How do experts interpret? Implications from research in interpreting studies and cognitive science. In G. Hansen, A. Chesterman, & H. Gerzymisch-Arbogast (Eds.), Efforts and models in interpreting and translation research: A tribute to Daniel Gile (pp. 159–177). John Benjamins.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Liu, M., & Chiu, Y.-H. (2011). Assessing source material difficulty for consecutive interpreting: Quantifiable measures and holistic judgment. In R. Setton (Ed.), Interpreting Chinese, interpreting China (pp. 135–156). John Benjamins.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Liu, M., Schallert, D. L., & Carroll, P. J. (2004). Working memory and expertise in simultaneous interpreting. Interpreting, 6(1), 19–42.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Macnamara, B. (2012). Interpreter cognitive aptitudes. Journal of Interpretation, 19(1), 9–24.

  • Moser, B. (1978). Simultaneous interpretation: A hypothetical model and its practical application. In D. Gerver, & H. W. Sinaiko (Eds.), Language interpretation and communication (pp. 353–368). Springer.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Moser-Mercer, B. (1997). Methodological issues in interpreting research: An introduction to the Ascona workshops. Interpreting, 2(1–2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1075/intp.2.1-2.01mos.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pignataro, C. (2012). Terminology and interpreting in LSP conferences: A computer-aided vs. empirical-based approach. In J. Cynthia (Ed.), Interpreting across genres: Multiple research perspectives (pp. 125–140). EUT Edizioni Università di Trieste.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pinto, M., & Sales, D. (2008a). Infolitrans: A model for the development of information competence for translators. Journal of Documentation, 64(3), 413–437.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pinto, M., & Sales, D. (2008b). Towards user-centred information literacy instruction in translation. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer, 2(1), 47–74.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pöchhacker, F. (1992). The role of theory in simultaneous interpreting. In C. Dollerup, & A. Loddegaard (Eds.), Teaching translation and interpreting: Training, talent and experience (pp. 211–220). John Benjamins.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pöchhacker, F. (1993). From knowledge to text: Coherence in simultaneous interpreting. In Y. Gambier, & J. Tommola (Eds.), Translation and knowledge: SSOTT IV — Scandinavian symposium on translation theory (Turku, 4-6.6.1992) (pp. 87–100). Maria Kald.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Pöchhacker, F. (2000). Dolmetschen: Konzeptuelle grundlagen und deskriptive untersuchungen. Stauffenburg.

  • Pöchhacker, F. (2009). Introducing interpreting studies. Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.

  • Pöchhacker, F. (2015). The Routledge encyclopedia of interpreting studies. Routledge.

  • Raído, V. E. (2011). Investigating the web search behaviors of translation students: An exploratory and multiple-case study. Doctoral dissertation. Universitat Ramon Llull.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sawyer, D. B. (2011). Fundamental aspects of interpreter education: Curriculum and assessment. Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Scaglioni, G. (2013). Simultaneous interpreting from German into Italian: The importance of preparation on a selection of cultural items. The Interpreters’ Newsletter, 18, 81–103.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Seleskovitch, D. (1978). Language and cognition. In D. Gerver, & H. W. Sinaiko (Eds.), Language and communication (pp. 333–342). Springer.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Seleskovitch, D., & Lederer, M. (1984). Interpréter pour traduire. Didier Érudition.

  • Setton, R. (2006). New demands on interpreting and the learning curve in interpreter training. In M. Chai (Ed.), Professionalization in interpreting: International experience and developments in China (pp. 36–71). Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Snelling, D. (2009). The interpreter’s general knowledge. The Interpreters’ Newsletter, 14, 91–98.

  • Wang, J. (2019). A study of translators’ searching behavior in English-Chinese professional translation—From the perspective of task familiarity. Doctoral dissertation. Shanghai International Studies University.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Xu, R. (2018). Corpus-based terminological preparation for simultaneous interpreting. Interpreting, 20(1), 29–58.

  • Zhang, W. (2010). Quality assessment of technical interpretation: From users’ perspective. Shanghai Journal of Translators, 3, 43–47.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
  • Collapse
  • Expand
Cover Across Languages and Cultures
Across Languages and Cultures
Print ISSN:
1585-1923
Online ISSN:
1588-2519

Editor-in-Chief: Krisztina KÁROLY (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary)

Consulting Editor: Dániel MÁNY  (Semmelweis University, Hungary)

Managing Editor: Réka ESZENYI (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary)

Founding Editor-in-Chief: Kinga KLAUDY (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary)

EDITORIAL BOARD

  • Andrew CHESTERMAN (University of Helsinki, Finland)
  • Kirsten MALMKJÆR (University of Leicester, UK)
  • Christiane NORD (University of Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa)
  • Anthony PYM (Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain, University of Melbourne, Australia)
  • Mary SNELL-HORNBY (University of Vienna, Austria)
  • Sonja TIRKKONEN-CONDIT (University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland)

ADVISORY BOARD

  • Mona BAKER (Shanghai International Studies University, China, University of Oslo, Norway)
  • Łucja BIEL (University of Warsaw, Poland)
  • Gloria CORPAS PASTOR (University of Malaga, Spain; University of Wolverhampton, UK)
  • Rodica DIMITRIU (Universitatea „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” Iasi, Romania)
  • Birgitta Englund DIMITROVA (Stockholm University, Sweden)
  • Sylvia KALINA (Cologne Technical University, Germany)
  • Haidee KOTZE (Utrecht University, The Netherlands)
  • Sara LAVIOSA (Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Italy)
  • Brian MOSSOP (York University, Toronto, Canada)
  • Orero PILAR (Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain)
  • Gábor PRÓSZÉKY (Hungarian Research Institute for Linguistics, Hungary)
  • Alessandra RICCARDI (University of Trieste, Italy)
  • Edina ROBIN (Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary)
  • Myriam SALAMA-CARR (University of Manchester, UK)
  • Mohammad Saleh SANATIFAR (independent researcher, Iran)
  • Sanjun SUN (Beijing Foreign Studies University, China)
  • Anikó SOHÁR (Pázmány Péter Catholic University,  Hungary)
  • Sonia VANDEPITTE (University of Gent, Belgium)
  • Albert VERMES (Eszterházy Károly University, Hungary)
  • Yifan ZHU (Shanghai Jiao Tong Univeristy, China)

Prof. Dr. Krisztina KÁROLY 
School of English and American Studies, Eötvös Loránd University
H-1088 Budapest, Rákóczi út 5., Hungary 
E-mail: 

  • WoS Arts & Humanities Citation Index
  • Wos Social Sciences Citation Index
  • WoS Essential Science Indicators
  • Scopus
  • Linguistics Abstracts
  • Linguistics and Language Behaviour Abstracts
  • Translation Studies Abstractst
  • CABELLS Journalytics

2023  
Web of Science  
Journal Impact Factor 1.0
Rank by Impact Factor Q2 (Linguistics)
Journal Citation Indicator 0.76
Scopus  
CiteScore 1.7
CiteScore rank Q1 (Language and Linguistics)
SNIP 1.223
Scimago  
SJR index 0.671
SJR Q rank Q1

Across Languages and Cultures
Publication Model Hybrid
Submission Fee

none
Article Processing Charge 900 EUR/article
Printed Color Illustrations 40 EUR (or 10 000 HUF) + VAT / piece
Regional discounts on country of the funding agency World Bank Lower-middle-income economies: 50%
World Bank Low-income economies: 100%
Further Discounts Editorial Board / Advisory Board members: 50%
Corresponding authors, affiliated to an EISZ member institution subscribing to the journal package of Akadémiai Kiadó: 100%
Subscription fee 2025 Online subsscription: 362 EUR / 398 USD
Print + online subscription: 420 EUR / 462 USD
Subscription Information Online subscribers are entitled access to all back issues published by Akadémiai Kiadó for each title for the duration of the subscription, as well as Online First content for the subscribed content.
Purchase per Title Individual articles are sold on the displayed price.

Across Languages and Cultures
Language English
Size B5
Year of
Foundation		 1999
Volumes
per Year		 1
Issues
per Year		 2
Founder Akadémiai Kiadó
Founder's
Address		 H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
Publisher Akadémiai Kiadó
Publisher's
Address		 H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
Responsible
Publisher		 Chief Executive Officer, Akadémiai Kiadó
ISSN 1585-1923 (Print)
ISSN 1588-2519 (Online)

Monthly Content Usage

Abstract Views Full Text Views PDF Downloads
Oct 2024 227 6 9
Nov 2024 81 7 8
Dec 2024 127 4 5
Jan 2025 140 6 7
Feb 2025 138 6 8
Mar 2025 102 5 5
Apr 2025 0 0 0