Abstract：Recent years have seen a rapid development of interpreting as a new discipline and an increasing expansion of interpreting application. When interpreting, it is a basic skill for interpreters to utilize note-taking as assistance. Notes play an important role in interpretation because it can provide efficient supplement and reinforcement to interpreters’ short-term memory. However, for interpreting beginners, note-taking becomes the first barrier which they must overcome during their learning course. 

Therefore, this paper adopts a research method of empirical study and analyzes the note-taking difficulties perceived by interpreting beginners in practice on the basis of all the data collected in the study. Meanwhile, note-taking difficulties are classified into two separate phrase: note-taking stage and note-reading stage. These difficulties include comprehending source language, noting down proper information, figuring out the notes and so on. Besides, a further discussion is made to explain the underlying difficulties.

The author hopes this paper can find the note-taking difficulties facing interpreting learners when they start and the reasons behind these difficulties. Then the author hopes this paper can offer some suggestions and methods for solving note-taking difficulties as well as give some enlightenment for the following interpreting learners and interpreting teaching.

Keywords:  note-taking  note-taking difficulties  interpreting beginners

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background of the Study-1

1.2 Significance of the Research-1

1.3 Structure of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Definition and Purposes of Note-taking-3

2.2 Previous Studies on Note-taking Difficulties-3

Chapter Three Research Methodology of Difficulties in Note-taking-6

3.1 Subjects Selection-6

3.2 Research Materials-6

3.3 Task Procedures-6

3.4 Data Collection-6

Chapter Four Research Findings and Discussions about Difficulties in Note-taking-8

4.1 Note-taking Difficulties Perceived by Students in interpreting-8

4.1.1 Difficulties in Note-taking Stage-8

4.1.2 Difficulties in Note-reading Stage-12

4.2 Causes of Note-taking Difficulties-14

4.2.1 Insufficient Memory Capacity-14

4.2.2 Uncoordinated Energy Allocation-14

4.2.3 Inadequate Note-taking Techniques and Practice-15

4.2.4 Deficient Language Proficiency-15

4.3 Suggestions for Solving Note-taking Difficulties-15

Chapter Five Conclusion-18

5.1 Major Findings of the Research-18

5.2 Iimitations of the Study-18

5.3 Suggestions for Further Research-18

References-19

Appendix-20