Psychosemantics and Simultaneous Interpretation

Abstract

A comprehension model of simultaneous interpretation activity raises three types of problems: structure of semantic information stored in long-term memory, modalities of input processing and specific restrictions due to situation. A useful concept of semantic mnesic structures includes: (1) a componential-predicative lexicon; (2) a propositional structure of sentences, which provides general comprehension schemata; and (3) macro-structures. During interpretation a double activity occurs: comprehension and production. Comprehension may be conceived of as a decomposition of input speech into semantic features and their recomposition into blocks via semantic schemata. Interpretation is best when these schemata are in the output language. Simultaneous translation efficiency is apparently related to a decrease of phonemic components. Reciprocally, in spite of the additional retrieval and motor activities caused by emission, it seems that semantic recall is particularly high in interpreters. Temporal regulation is a problem specific to simultaneous interpretation. It may be considered as analogous to temporal regulation of information processing in semantic reading and learning; flow of semantic information determines the locking of semantic content and reemission rhythm. Some empirical data are presented to support these views. (Author/CLK)