商务现场口译unit

Uni t Two

Ceremonial Address

Unit Objectives （单元目标）

After reading this unit, you should

understand how to makea short-term preparation for the interpreting

tasks.

find ways to improve your interpreting skills and performance.

master the basic words and expressions about ceremonial address.

know some cultural background knowledge about ceremonial address.

I. Interpreting Skills ( 口译技能 )

Read the following presentation about short-term preparation. Try to

understand what and how to prepare for the interpreting tasks in the

short run. Then complete the following task:

Suppose you are going to work as an interpreter for a businessman who

is going to make a ceremonial address. How are you going to prepare

for it and what questions are you going to ask if you are able to contact

the organizer or the speaker before the interpretation starts? Work

in groups and work out a question list.

Preparing Training (II): Short-term Preparation （短期准备）

Short-term preparation in interpreting refers to the job that can only be

prepared shortly before the interpreting task is taken. In contrast with long-term

preparation, short-term preparation is more direct and concrete, as each

interpreting task is different from one another. The interpreter works for

different speakers and on different subjects. In real interpreting situations,

pre-interpreting preparation is usually referred to as short-term preparation.

What to Prepare?

After an interpreter has accepted an interpreting assignment, they shall start

to prepare for the task immediately. Following are the essential items that the

interpreter shall prepare.

1. Meeting Documents

The meeting documents are a great help to the interpreters. It is advisable

for interpreters to ask the organizer to provide the complete documentation （文

件） and background information for the task as early as possible, such as the meeting

schedule （时间表） , list of participants （参加者） , introduction of the keynote

speakers （主题发言人） etc. He must try to understand “who is the speaker? what

is the subject? what is the occasion? who is the audience? and what type of speech

is it? ” .

2. A Glossary List

After getting the documents, the interpreter is then able to know the topics

and subjects he is going to deal with. At this time, an experienced interpreter

will work out a list of glossary and terminology （术语）he will potentially encounter

in interpreting. A prepared glossary list sometimes helps the interpreter out when

he comes across new words.

3. Dictionaries, Notebooks and Pens

Interpreting is often done in an uncertain situation. There are always some

words and expressions beyond the interpreter ’s mind and preparation. In this case,

some classified dictionaries （分类词典） may be of great help. An experienced

interpreter always brings certain dictionaries, which they can consult whenever

possible. In addition, note-books and pens are also necessary in interpreting. As

interpreters usually take notes in interpreting, two top-opening notebooks （竖

翻式笔记本） and knock-gell pens （按压式水笔） are therefore recommended for

interpreters to carry. Such note books and pens are easily handled in interpreting

situations.

4. Dresses and Name Cards

In addition, interpreters should know the general dress code（着装要求） before

the meeting starts. Interpreters are always expected to dress appropriately and

behave respectfully when they attend the meeting. Moreover, business cards （名

片） are also necessary as interpreters sometimes receive name cards from the

organizer and the speakers. Therefore, interpreters should prepare their own cards

to offer them in return. Otherwise, it would make them embarrassed.

How to Prepare?