Module 6 Analysis and Composition Factors

Knowledge, Preparation, and Environment

IMI schematic knowledge, preparation and environment

Factors

Knowledge

This term refers to the stored (long-term memory) experiences and learning that the interpreter has accumulated in all sensory and intellectual contexts. Knowledge may be stored non-linguistically, some in only one language/culture, and sometimes knowledge is stored cross-linguistically/culturally. For any given assignment, this refers specifically to knowledge relevant to the message being interpreted.

Preparation

This item refers to any means the interpreter has used to prepare for the task at hand, either prior to the assignment or during it. It includes:

physical dimensions (e.g. sleep, exercise, nourishment)
emotional/psychological dimensions (e.g. confidence, stress management)
content-related dimensions (e.g. meeting with speaker, researching topic)
contextual dimensions (e.g. finding out about the participants, environment)
task-related dimensions (e.g. meeting with team members, coordinator)

Environment

This refers to any and all conditions that exist at the time of the interpretation. External environmental factors include:

physical factors (e.g. lighting, temperature, time of day, proximity to speaker/ audience/team member, noise)
psychological factors (e.g. stress, emotional displays)
cultural factors (e.g. conflicting behaviors and/or expectations)

Internal environmental factors include:

physical (e.g. fatigue, illness)
psychological (e.g. perceived evaluation, bonding with speaker)
emotional (e.g. reaction to speaker/topic, audience) state(s) of the interpreter