Monday, January 3, 2011

Models

We have been studying models from a theoretical perspective for juniors and working to apply the models to the interpreting work with the seniors. Our question for you is  - How do you employ models in your practice as an interpreter? 

Models could include socio-linguistic models such as Dennis Cokeley's, meaning-based models like Debra Russell's, Gile's Effort Model, or Betty Colonomos' model. These models help us to conceptualize the work we do as interpreters - taking in a message in one language, processing it to distill meaning, and then reproducing that meaning into another language. There are obviously many, many more models that could be listed - models developed by spoken and signed language interpreting researchers/practitioners. 

Students have asked about how working, experienced interpreters apply models in analyzing their work. Again, How do you employ models in your practice as an interpreter? If you are not familiar with any "models," how do you conceptualize your work and analyze to improve your work?