Note technology

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The note-taking (including notation , notation technology , Notiertechnik or notes acquisition ) comes when Consecutive used. This is a highly individualized process that is used to record the content of a statement to be interpreted in writing for the purpose of rendering it in the target language.

general basics

Work equipment

Normally, a blank notepad is used that is no larger than DIN A5 . Ring pads make it easier to turn the pages quickly. Most of the time, notes are only made on the front of the sheets so as not to have to turn and turn the pad during the presentation. The writing instrument must be robust and can be used in any posture (standing, sitting, lying), e.g. B. a pencil , a replacement should be kept ready.

preparation

In preparation, the block is often structured before interpreting. Vertical dividing lines limit several columns for the usually vertically oriented notation. Margins marked by further hyphens can be used to note the type of sentence, language direction, agent of a sentence or similar additional information.

Notation / taking notes

Interpreter notes are a reminder, not a shorthand system. The decisive factor is the content, including connotations that are important for the situation , not the exact formulation. The notes are used to 1) record main ideas, relationships between these ideas and the structure of the speech and 2) record details that are difficult to store in short-term memory (numbers, names, etc.).

The reference works for the specific execution of the notes include the two-volume “Handbuch der Notentechnik für Dolmetscher” by Heinz Matyssek and Jean-François Rozan's “La Prize de Notes en Interprétation Consécutive”. The approaches to an "ideal" note-taking technique are different, but there are some widely recognized basic principles :

  • The aim is as language-neutral notation as possible. This can be achieved with the help of individual symbols and abbreviations. The aim is not to replace every word with a symbol, but rather to create a universally applicable and flexible system of signs that is composed of relatively few components. Simple geometric figures can thus become collective symbols for entire parts of the speech. A simple example of this is the so-called "smiley", which is often used in everyday communication. A simple circle with dots and lines can summarize an entire speech concept. A smiling smiley e.g. B. in the notation can stand for a whole sequence of phrases expressing joy, greeting or thanksgiving.
  • The notes can store information not only through their own content, but also through their position (in relation to the note sheet and other notes) and relative size. They can be based on one another, be nested in one another and map priorities or hierarchies through proportions. If one takes the "from left to right" convention as a basis, which also dominates our written language, then an (imaginary) timeline can enable a quick chronological classification of what has been noted: If a "smiley" looks to the right, i.e. into the future , it stands for anticipation or optimism.
  • With the notation, importance should be attached to order in order to be able to record and reproduce information correctly. "Graduated notation" is an important principle of order: more important information (A information) is noted further up or in front, less important information (B information) is noted downwards or backwards. Connectors such as "but, nevertheless, whether, therefore, through" etc. are particularly important for the logical order of what is said. For each of these, a separate symbol is almost mandatory. In order to structure the notation even better, small horizontal dividing lines can also be drawn between the individual units of meaning. At the end of the part of a speech to be interpreted, a longer horizontal line can create order. Notation example: see web links.
  • Avoid redundancy in order to save time. Arrows can be used to refer to what has already been noted. If the repetition of information does not serve a specific purpose, this passage can be ignored during interpreting. Redundant parts of speech often belong to the group of C information, which are only decorative or uninteresting or irrelevant for communication.
example

Example for the adjacent picture

“We are pleased to announce that sales have increased 10% from $ 3.5 billion to 3.85. This is due to extensive helicopter sales. The USA bought 50 and South Africa 20 pieces. In return, we have to relocate part of the production abroad. "

literature

  • Matyssek, Heinz: Handbook of note technology for interpreters. A way to language-independent notation. 1989, ISBN 3-8727-6616-3
  • Rozan, Jean-François: La Prize de Notes en Interprétation Consécutive. 1956, ISBN 2-8257-0053-3
  • Andres, Dörte : Consecutive interpreting and notation. 2000, ISBN 3-631-39856-5
  • Gillies, Andrew: Note-taking for Consecutive Interpreting. 2005, ISBN 1-900650-82-7
  • Jones, Roderick: Conference Interpreting Explained. 1998, ISBN 1-900650-57-6
  • Seleskovitch, Danica: Langage, langues et mémoires. 1975, ISBN 2-256-90752-X
  • Snell-Hornby, Mary / Hönig, Hans G./Kußmaul, Paul / Schmitt, Peter A .: Handbook Translation. 1999, ISBN 3-86057-995-9
  • Roth, Daniel: The speech. An exercise book for interpreters. Basics and cross-language symbols. 2018, ISBN 9783746775524

Web links