Article published In:
BabelVol. 50:3 (2004) ► pp.246–266
The effect of word order differences on English-into-Arabic simultaneous interpreters’ performance
Word order differences between English and Arabic represent one of the problems faced by English-into-Arabic simultaneous
interpreters. This paper investigates this problem by testing the effect of six problematic English linear arrangements on the
accuracy of performance of interpreters in three text types: the expressive, informative and vocative. These constructions are
considered problematic because they contain key words which force the interpreter to lag too far behind the speaker before they
are rendered into Arabic. This lagging behind entails a risk of short-term memory overload and consequently affects
performance.
The assumption has been verified and departures in the form of omissions and errors have been identified in the interpreters’
performance. But the interpreters resorted to a tactic that helped them to stay as close as possible to the speaker, viz.,
tracking, particularly in the rendition of the vocative passage. However, this tactic was not always manipulated successfully due
to inappropriate handling or to the fact that the construction itself did not lend itself to tracking.
It has also been found that departures are higher in the rendition of the expressive and informative passages than the vocative
passage.
Cited by (3)
Cited by three other publications
Mahasneh, Anjad A. & Maysa’ Taher Abu Kishek
2018.
Arabic Localization of Video Games “Tomb Raider™ (2013)”: A Start or A Failure
.
Lebende Sprachen 63:1
► pp. 47 ff.
![DOI logo](//benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
Alkhamra, Rana A. & Aya B. Al‐Jazi
2016.
Validity and reliability of the Arabic Token Test for children.
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders 51:2
► pp. 183 ff.
![DOI logo](//benjamins.com/logos/doi-logo.svg)
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 31 july 2024. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers.
Any errors therein should be reported to them.