Note-taking for consecutive conference interpreting

Interpreters’ notes in consecutive interpreting play the role of a memory reinforcer to assist the interpreter in retrieving the analysed and memorised content of the source text message and in rendering a faithful interpretation of it in the target language. This chapter looks at note-taking from different perspectives and dimensions. The practical dimension of note-taking considers a practitioner’s approach with a clear focus on basic note-taking principles supported by empirical studies. The cognitive dimension and approach of note-taking, only explored systematically from the mid-1990s but still under-researched and under-utilised, focus on the role of memory and the correlation between notes and memory, which has been emphasised by all note-taking ‘paradigms’. The technological perspective deals with recent and up-to-date technological developments supported by empirical research that affect traditional professional consecutive interpreting practice and note-taking. Finally, the didactic dimension of note-taking presents an integrated perspective of the traditional practical approach, its cognitive dimension, and the use of technological devices.