NOTE TAKING IN CONSUTIVE INTERPRETINGS GENERAL

PRINCIPLES

Presented to fulfill odd semester assignments for the 2022/2023 academic year

TRANSLATIONS

Sunday, 26th March 2023

Lecturer:

Dr.Zainudin,M.Pd

Writer:

Lia Elsa Qotrunnada (2020130005)

ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM

TARBIYAH DEPARTEMENT

ASH-SHIDDIQIYAH ISLAMIC COLLEGE

LUBUK SEBERUK LEMPUING JAYA OKI

2023
 PREFACE

First of all, thanks to Allah SWT because of the help of Allah, writer finished writing the paper
entitled “note taking in consutive interpretings general principles” right in the calculated time.

The purpose in writing this paper is to fulfill the assignment that given by Mr. Zainudin
as lecturer in English language education. In arranging this paper, the writer trully get lots
challenges and obstructions but with help of many indiviuals, those obstructions could passed.
writer also realized there are still many mistakes in process of writing this paper.
Because of that, the writer says thank you to all individuals who helps in the process of
writing this paper. hopefully allah replies all helps and bless you all.the writer realized tha this
paper still imperfect in arrangment and the content.  then the writer hope the criticism from the
readers can help the writer in perfecting the next paper.last but not the least Hopefully, this paper
can helps the readers to gain more knowledge about English language education.

                                                                    Lempuing Jaya,18th March 2023

ii
 LIST OF CONTENS

COVER.................................................................................................................................i

PREFACE ...........................................................................................................................ii

LIST OF CONTENS ...........................................................................................................iii

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................1

A. Background................................................................................................................1
B. Purpose of the paper ..................................................................................................3
C. Problem formulation .................................................................................................3

CHAPTER II THEORY AND DISCUSSION...................................................................4

A. General principles of note-taking in consecutive interpreting………………………4

B. Interpreters face several challenges when taking notes during consecutive interpreting
....................................................................................................................................4

CHAPTER III CLOSING ..................................................................................................7

A. Conclusion ................................................................................................................7

REFERENCE ......................................................................................................................7

iii
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background

Note taking is an essential skill for consecutive interpreters, as it allows them to remember and
convey the meaning of spoken messages accurately. Consecutive interpreting is a mode of
interpreting where the interpreter listens to the speaker, takes notes, and then renders the message
in the target language. Effective note-taking skills are essential to ensure that the interpreter can
capture all the essential information and convey it accurately to the target audience.

1. Objectives

The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive understanding of note-taking in

consecutive interpreting. The paper will outline the general principles of note-taking in
consecutive interpreting, discuss the challenges faced by interpreters, and provide tips on how to
overcome these challenges.

2. Scope

This paper will focus on note-taking in consecutive interpreting, providing a detailed analysis of
the general principles involved. The paper will also discuss the challenges faced by interpreters
in the process of note-taking and provide tips on how to overcome these challenges.

Effective note-taking requires the use of a specific set of techniques that enable the interpreter to
capture essential information and convey it accurately to the target audience. The following are
some general principles of note-taking in consecutive interpreting.

1. Abbreviations and symbols

Note-taking involves capturing large amounts of information in a short time. To do this,

interpreters use abbreviations and symbols that enable them to capture information quickly and
efficiently. Interpreters must develop a set of abbreviations and symbols that are specific to their
needs and that they can use comfortably.

1
2. Consistency

Consistency is essential in note-taking. Interpreters must use the same symbols and abbreviations
consistently throughout the note-taking process to ensure that they can read and understand their
notes accurately.

3. Structure

Structure is crucial in note-taking. Interpreters must use a structured approach to take notes,
which enables them to capture information in an organized and logical manner. A well-structured
note-taking system makes it easier for the interpreter to understand and convey the information
accurately.

4. Accuracy

Accuracy is the most critical principle in note-taking. Interpreters must capture information
accurately to ensure that they can convey the meaning of the spoken message correctly. An
interpreter's notes must be an accurate representation of the speaker's message.

Note-taking in consecutive interpreting can be challenging. The following are some of the
challenges faced by interpreters:

1. Speed

Consecutive interpreting is a fast-paced process that requires the interpreter to capture a large
amount of information in a short time. Interpreters must develop their note-taking skills to keep
up with the speaker's pace.

2. Memory

Interpreters must rely on their memory to recall the spoken message accurately. Note-taking is a
memory aid, and interpreters must be able to recall the information they have noted down.

3. Distractions

2
Interpreters must deal with distractions, such as background noise, interruptions, and technical
difficulties. These distractions can interfere with the interpreter's concentration and affect their
ability to take accurate notes.

The following are some tips for effective note-taking in consecutive interpreting:

1. Use a structured approach

Interpreters should use a structured approach to note-taking, using symbols and abbreviations
consistently to capture information in a logical and organized manner.

2. Practice, practice, practice

Note-taking is a skill that requires practice to develop. Interpreters should practice their note-
taking skills regularly to improve their speed and accuracy.

3. Focus on keywords

Interpreters should focus on capturing keywords that convey the essential meaning of the spoken
message.

4. Use memory aids

Interpreters should use memory aids, such as mnemon

B. Problem Formulation.
1. What are the general principles of note-taking in consecutive interpreting?
2. What are the challenges faced by interpreters in note-taking during consecutive
interpreting?

C. Problem of formulation.
1. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the general principles of note-taking in
consecutive interpreting.
2. To identify and analyze the challenges faced by interpreters in note-taking during
consecutive interpreting.

3
 CHAPTER II

THEORY AND DISCUSSION

A. General principles of note-taking in consecutive interpreting

The general principles of note-taking in consecutive interpreting are:

1. Abbreviations and symbols: Interpreters use specific abbreviations and symbols to

capture information quickly and efficiently.
2. Consistency: Interpreters use the same symbols and abbreviations consistently throughout
the note-taking process to ensure that they can read and understand their notes accurately.
3. Structure: Interpreters use a structured approach to take notes, which enables them to
capture information in an organized and logical manner.
4. Accuracy: Interpreters must capture information accurately to ensure that they can
convey the meaning of the spoken message correctly. An interpreter's notes must be an
accurate representation of the speaker's message.
5. Selectivity: Interpreters should focus on capturing the most important keywords that
convey the essential meaning of the spoken message.
6. Neutrality: Interpreters should avoid adding their own interpretations or opinions to the
notes, ensuring that they remain neutral and accurate.
7. Clarity: Interpreters should ensure that their notes are clear and legible to ensure that they
can read and understand them easily.
8. Relevance: Interpreters should only note down information that is relevant to the message
and avoid unnecessary details that may confuse or distract them.
9. Flexibility: Interpreters should be flexible in their note-taking approach and adapt their
methods to suit different speaking styles, accents, and subjects.

These general principles of note-taking in consecutive interpreting are essential to ensure that the
interpreter can capture all the essential information accurately and convey it to the target
audience effectively.

B. Interpreters face several challenges when taking notes during consecutive interpreting

4
Interpreters face several challenges when taking notes during consecutive interpreting, including:

1. Time pressure: Interpreters must capture the essential meaning of the spoken message
while also managing the note-taking process, which can be challenging in fast-paced
situations.
2. Memory load: Interpreters must remember and recall the information they have noted
down to convey it accurately during the interpreting process.
3. Distracting environment: Interpreters must maintain their focus and concentration in
noisy or distracting environments, which can make it difficult to take clear and accurate
notes.
4. Complexity of the subject matter: Interpreters may find it challenging to capture technical
or specialized vocabulary accurately, which can impact the accuracy of the interpretation.
5. Language barriers: Interpreters must navigate linguistic differences, such as accents or
dialects, which can make it difficult to capture information accurately.
6. Subjectivity: Interpreters must avoid adding their own interpretations or opinions to the
notes, which requires a high level of discipline and professionalism.
7. Misunderstanding: Interpreters may misinterpret or misunderstand certain words or
phrases, which can affect the accuracy of the interpretation.

Effective note-taking strategies that can help interpreters overcome the challenges of consecutive
interpreting include:

1. Using abbreviations and symbols: Interpreters can use specific abbreviations and symbols
to capture information quickly and efficiently.
2. Focusing on keywords: Interpreters should focus on capturing the most important
keywords that convey the essential meaning of the spoken message.
3. Using a structured approach: Interpreters should use a structured approach to note-taking,
which enables them to capture information in an organized and logical manner.
4. Practicing active listening: Interpreters should listen actively to the speaker, focusing on
the message's key points to capture essential information accurately.
5. Using a shorthand system: Interpreters can develop their own shorthand system to capture
information more efficiently.

5
 6. Adapting note-taking to the speaker's style: Interpreters should adapt their note-taking
approach to suit the speaker's style, accent, and subject matter.
7. Revising notes after the speech: Interpreters should revise and clarify their notes after the
speech to ensure accuracy and completeness.

By implementing these strategies, interpreters can enhance their note-taking skills, improve the
accuracy and speed of their interpretation, and deliver a high-quality service to their clients.

6
 CHAPTER III

CLOSING

A. Conclusion

In conclusion, note-taking is a crucial skill for interpreters, especially in consecutive interpreting.

The general principles of note-taking, including abbreviations and symbols, consistency,
structure, accuracy, selectivity, neutrality, clarity, relevance, and flexibility, can help interpreters
capture information accurately and efficiently. However, interpreters also face several
challenges, including time pressure, memory load, distracting environments, language barriers,
and subjectivity, among others. Effective note-taking strategies, such as using abbreviations and
symbols, focusing on keywords, using a structured approach, practicing active listening, and
adapting note-taking to the speaker's style, can help interpreters overcome these challenges and
improve their accuracy and speed. By developing effective note-taking skills, interpreters can
provide high-quality interpreting services to their clients, ensuring that the message is conveyed
accurately and effectively.

7
 REFERENCE

Hanh, Pham Hong, 2006, Note-Taking in Consecutive Interpreting, (HanoiUniversity of Foreign

Studies)

Hatim, Basil and Mason, Ian, 1999, The Translator as Communicator, Routledge: New
Yorkhttp://interpreters.free.fr/consecnotes/symbolexamples2.htm (diakses pada Senin, 20
Maret, 2023)

Ingemann, Marcus. The Power of Mind Mapping, FortuneWell.com

Pochhacker, Franz, 2004, Introducing Interpreting Studies, (New York: Routlegde Taylor and
Francis Group).

Santiago, R, 2004, Consecutive Interpreting: A Brief Review. Available

at http://home.earthlink.net/~terperto/id16.html