The Use of the Traditional Tools in Consecutive Interpreting: Advantages and Disadvantages

Abstract

This study is a plea for introducing ‘pen and paper’ as traditional tools in consecutive interpreting. The study is built on the examination of the traditional note-taking tools and their use in interpreting. Its purpose is to discuss their potentialities, as well as to determine to what extent the traditional tools and methods of note-taking are still valuable and compatible with other new ones. The discussion is done through the descriptive method of the process and techniques of consecutive interpreting. The development of these themes aims to point out the benefits to obtain by the use of traditional tools. The study tries, also, to reveal the advantages and disadvantages of the use of these traditional tools compared to the new technological devices used in consecutive interpreting. The results confirm the effectiveness of these traditional pen and paper tools, as they still in work that enables the consecutive interpreter to accomplish his/ her work. The conclusion and findings suggest some solutions such as the use of traditional tools threatened by e-generation devices and digital technology. It, also, mitigates the attacks on these formal tools. It provides a method for the fulfillment of the objectives of consecutive interpreting regardless of the tools used by the interpreter.