Interpreting Processing Models

Question 1

Danica Seleskovitch’s Model of the Interpreting Process (1978)

Answer 1

1. Merging elements of linguistic meaning with extra-linguistic knowledge to obtain sense
2. Deverbalizing that sense as it emerges
3. Spontaneously expressing this sense linguistically

Question 2

Dennis Cokely’s Sociolinguistic Model of Processing (1992)

Answer 2

1. Message Reception
2. Preliminary Processing
3. Short-term Message Retention
4. Semantic Intent Realization (comprehension)
5. Cross-linguistic and cross-cultural consideration
6. Syntactic Message Formulation
7. Message Production

Question 3

Debra Russell’s Meaning-Based Model (2002)

Answer 3

1. Assess Contextual Factors & Monitor Process
2. Comprehend Source Language Message
3. Apply Contextual and Linguistic Schema
4. Formulate/Rehearse Equivalent Message
5. Produce Target Language Interpretation
6. Assess Contextual Factors & Monitor Process

Question 4

Ten-Step Discourse Analysis Process (Anna Witter-Merithew, 2002)

Answer 4

1. Prediction
2. View and Recall
3. Content Mapping
4. Salient Linguistic Features
5. Abstraction
6. Retelling in Source Language
7. Salient Linguistic Features in Target Language
8. Visualization Mapping
9. Retell in Target Language
10. Interpretation

Question 5

Betty Colonomos’s Depth of Processing Model (1989)
(note: this is not a process model, i.e., it doesn’t show the process; rather, it diagrams levels of how deeply an interpreter might dissect the source message)

Answer 5

Lexical: Word, idiom

Phrasal: Phrase

Sentential: Sentence or complete thought

Textual/Semantic: Entire text, including the goal, structure, genre, and affect

Question 6

Lexical:

Answer 6

Word, idiom

Question 7

Phrasal:

Answer 7

Phrase

Question 8

Sentential:

Answer 8

Sentence or complete thought

Question 9

Textual/Semantic:

Answer 9

Entire text, including the goal, structure, genre, and affect

Question 10

Gish Processing Model
Synonyms: Gish approach to information processing, top-down processing,
goal-to-detail processing, interpreting at the discourse level.

Answer 10

The Gish model, based on work by Sandra Gish, suggests that we approach a message to interpret by focusing on the main points, then considering how the sub points fit in, and then finally the details as possible.

Sometimes this is also discussed as interpreting on the discourse level as much as possible, meaning you interpret what a whole paragraph or more means rather than what individual sentences, phrases or words mean.