Intralingual Interference, Background Knowledge and Source Text Interpretation in Translation

Abstract

Adequate translator/interpreter training should be based on the plausible translation/interpreting model whose development requires research into the process of translation. To improve a translator’s decision-making potential, the sources of translator’s problems emergence have to be found out. Once a source is established, the ways of its neutralizations may be researched, categorized and included into exercises complete with the corresponding remedies to be acquired. Basing on the previous research, it was assumed that both intralanguage interference and lack of the corresponding background knowledge may affect the correct source text interpretation and thus create problems for the translator/interpreter in generating a proper target text. The paper presents the results of the experimental research on the affect of the intralingual interference and background knowledge on the source text interpretation in the actual translation. It was established that both factors affect the said interpretation and, correspondently on the target text quality and thus require being taken into account in the development of training future translators and interpreters. To reduce the negative effect of the lack of background knowledge it seems reasonable to reorganize the structure and subject-matter of the future translators’/interpreters’ training program to take a maximum advantage of the coordination of all the disciplines in the curriculum. The softening of the intralanguage interference negative impact may be possible through the sensible structuring of translation/interpreting exercises which should be based on the scientific data concerning the presence of an ambiguity source and the degree of interference in each specific case. That could enable to incorporate the elements causing intralanguage interference into such exercises, provoking students’ errors and neutralizing the sources of the negative effect through the subsequent practice.