Lakhasly

This text discusses the importance of note-taking in consecutive interpreting. It argues against the notion that notes are purely personal and cannot be taught. The chapter covers fundamentals such as abbreviations, vertical and diagonal notes, noting links, symbols, and distinguishing important information. Note-taking is seen as interconnected with memory, analysis, effort management, and presentation skills. The section on abbreviations emphasizes the efficiency of using basic rules for abbreviation, as outlined by Rosin in 1956.The rule of thumb for note-taking suggests abbreviating words longer than four or five letters. For example, "specialized" can be noted as "art" instead of "pec." This approach ensures clarity and reliability. Examples include "Sau" for "statute" or "statistics," "Pred" for "production," and "Cow" for "Commission" or "Committee." Rosin (1956) provides a list of suffixes and their corresponding abbreviations, such as "-ation" for "institution" and "-itive" for "productive." Plurals should not be noted raised as they are in the abbreviated word. When noting "inst" for "institution," the plural form "inst's" should be used to avoid ambiguity, with the "x" not raised because it's not part of the abbreviation. The technique of raised end letters for abbreviations is only necessary when ambiguity arises. For instance, "sat" can stand for "satellite," while "doc" represents "document." However, each language may have its own suffixes, requiring different abbreviation techniques. In Russian, for example, interpreters often remove all vowels from a word for abbreviation. Regardless of the method used, the abbreviation should be unambiguous and its meaning clear
In note-taking, speeches are divided into sections and ideas, with "//" denoting section breaks and horizontal lines separating ideas on the notepad. Elements of the speech, such as subject, verb, and object, are noted down to capture the structure and content accurately. Sure, here's how you can structure your notes Based on the provided text, here's how you can note the SVO structure on a notepad, following a diagonal left-to-right pattern
In the given example, the subject (S) is "the Earth below our feet," the verb (V) is "is," and the object (O) is "our most precious resource." This format allows for clear and structured note-taking of the main points of the speech.
This layout allows you to identify and note the subject (S), verb (V), and object (O) of the original speech. To maintain consistency and clarity in note-taking, it's important to adhere to either SVO or SOV structure in a single set of notes, as well as note-taking direction (left to right or right to left). Passive voice constructions should be converted into indicative ones to avoid confusion.

When noting SVO groups, you have several options:

1. 
   

   Use the words denoting the subject, verb, and object of the original speech.

   
   


2. 
   

   Note shorter synonyms for each element in the SVO group.

   
   


3. 
   

   Note a different SVO group with the same meaning, reformulating and possibly reordering.

   
   


4. 
   

   Note only two of the three elements in the SVO.

   
   


5. 
   

   Make several short sentences out of one long one.
   Using shorter synonyms in your SVO group helps summarize the message in your own words, aiding memory recall and reducing language interference. This technique fosters analysis and promotes reformulation of the original message. To effectively summarize the message of each idea in your own words, you can note a different set of SVO elements with the same meaning, possibly in a different order or grammatical construction. This technique, along with using shorter synonyms, forms the backbone of your note-taking process. It aids memory recall by anchoring information not directly noted and promotes reformulation, reducing language interference.
   For example, in a note-taking system where the order is consistently SVO, it's important to turn passive voice constructions into active ones whenever possible. This ensures clarity and coherence in your notes. In the provided
   This breaks down the original sentence into smaller, more manageable ideas, aiding comprehension and retention. Additionally, note only two of the three elements in the SVO structure when one element is obvious from context or collocation with another. For instance, in the phrase "Earth Day activities," "activities" could be considered implicit, allowing you to focus on "Earth Day" and "participate. “In the provided example:
   "Each year, more than one billion people participate in Earth Day-related activities in more than 190 countries, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Regardless of where you are from here in Abidjan, or the state of Oregon, where I grew up—the Earth below our feet is our most precious resource."
   You could break it down into smaller, more concise ideas:

   
   


6. 
   

   "Each year // one billion people // participate // Earth Day activities // 2, 3"

   
   


7. 
   

   "Earth Day // largest civic observance // world // 1, 2"

   
   


8. 
   

   "Regardless of location // Earth // most precious resource // 1, 2"

   
   


9. 
   

   "United Nations // alarming report // damage // 3"
   These smaller ideas help in creating more concise notes, aiding memory retention and facilitating reformulation later. Different techniques such as noting only two of the three elements in SVO, using shorter synonyms, and breaking a single long sentence into multiple shorter ones can be employed depending on the complexity and importance of the idea being conveyed. Breaking down the provided text into smaller, more concise ideas:

   
   


10. 
    

    "Global warming // severe effects // rapidly // 3"

    
    


11. 
    

    "Report // potential disasters // if changes not made // 3"

    
    


12. 
    

    "Catastrophes: // massive flooding // coastal cities // 3"

    
    


13. 
    

    "Catastrophes: // unpredictable weather // dangerous patterns // 3"

    
    


14. 
    

    "Catastrophes: // widespread famine // drought // 3"
    These smaller ideas help capture the key points of the text, making note-taking more efficient and facilitating memory retention and reformulation later. Breaking down the next part of the speech into smaller ideas:

    
    


15. 
    

    "United States // average temperatures // increased // two degrees Fahrenheit // last 50 years // 2, 3"

    
    


16. 
    

    "Recent report // high probability // temperatures could rise // nine degrees Fahrenheit // end of this century // 2, 3"

    
    


17. 
    

    "Effects: // agriculture // water sources // energy // disastrous // 3"

    
    


18. 
    

    "Good news: // much we can do // address challenges // 1, 2, 3"
    These smaller ideas capture the core message of the text, focusing on the subject, verb, and object of each idea. They help in creating concise notes, aiding memory retention, and facilitating comprehension and reformulation later. Breaking down the provided text into smaller ideas:

    
    


19. 
    

    "President Obama // announced // comprehensive action plan // includes // actions // reduce carbon pollution // prepare United States // impacts // climate change // lead international efforts // address global climate change // 1, 2, 3"

    
    


20. 
    

    "Government of Côte d'Ivoire // sponsored // workshop // outlined efforts // reduce pollution // ocean, lagoons, beaches // 2, 3"

    
    


21. 
    

    "I commend // government's efforts // 1, 2, 3"

    
    


22. 
    

    "Each of you // represents // business // embodies // entrepreneurship, cross-border partnership, hard work // 1, 2, 3"
    These ideas capture the key points of the text, including the subject, verb, and object of each idea. Clauses can be noted in various ways, depending on their importance and the space available for noting them. Breaking down the provided text using brackets and splitting the sentence into two ideas:

    
    


23. 
    

    "Each of you today // represents // a business // embodies // (entrepreneurship, cross-border partnership, hard work) // 1, 2, 3"

    
    


24. 
    

    "Each of you today // represents // a business // embodies // entrepreneurship, cross-border partnership, hard work // 1, 2, 3"
    These methods help in capturing the essence of the sentence, either by emphasizing specific elements within the clause or by presenting the clause as a whole. Verticality is a complementary technique to diagonal note-taking. When noting SVO groups diagonally, you may encounter situations where there are multiple subjects, verbs, or objects, forming a list. In such cases, verticality can be used to clearly portray the elements of the list as being of equal importance.
    This technique helps organize information in a structured manner, making it easier to follow and recall during interpretation. In the provided example:
    "Tea industry in Kenya remains a success story as it is the leading foreign exchange earner and a source of livelihood for the tea growing population. The industry indirectly supports about 5 million Kenyans and contributes to employment and wealth distribution, rural industrialization and infrastructure development."

    
    

• Ambitious free trade agreement
  Similarly, for the sentence "The US, Mexico, and Canada must negotiate an ambitious free trade agreement":
  Here, "must negotiate" is a modal verb and is noted horizontally next to the verb it qualifies, "negotiate," along with the qualifier "ambitious free trade agreement. “In the provided example, the underlined links indicate how each idea relates to the previous one.


• Because Hayley was born drug addicted, at the moment of her birth she started with the most intense adversity imaginable.


• And her sorrowful mother had herself lived an immensely difficult life.


• But because Coram had prepared wonderful people to be adopters who were prepared to take all the risks, Hayley actually was passed into the arms of a loving family within 10 days of her birth.

2. 
   

   Now what that meant to Hayley, she drew for us.

   
   
   
   
   • And she drew a little picture with little stick figures of her with a Mummy and Daddy.
   
   
   • And that of course is the birthright, the birthright of a child to be loved and depend on adults.
   
   
   • But unfortunately for so many children that isn't the case, and Hayley is one of 5,000 children last year who were adopted.
     Noting links in the left-hand margin helps clarify the relationship between ideas, ensuring coherence and understanding when interpreting the speech. Here’s the speech with separate ideas and noted links in the left-hand margin:
   
   
   
   


3. 
   

   Kenya tea is exported to 68 destinations.

   
   
   
   
   • Temporal link: None
   
   
   
   


4. 
   

   Despite the good performance, the tea industry faces many challenges.

   
   
   
   
   • Temporal link: After
   
   
   
   


5. 
   

   These include issues of climate change, high costs of production, low levels of value addition and product diversification, low domestic consumption and fluctuating market prices, among others.

   
   
   
   
   • Temporal link: None
   
   
   
   


6. 
   

   I note that this conference brings together key players in the global tea sector to address issues relating to the production, processing, and marketing of tea.

   
   
   
   
   • Temporal link: Next
   
   
   
   


7. 
   

   Indeed, if we have to create opportunities for the African tea industry, as the theme of this conference suggests, then we must take bold steps to address these challenges to enhance the performance and sustainability of the industry.

   
   
   
   
   • Temporal link: Subsequently
     In this exercise, the links help to indicate the relationship between the ideas in terms of their temporal sequence or logical progression. Symbols are valuable tools in note-taking as they allow for quick and efficient representation of concepts, saving space and making the structure of notes clearer. Here's why and what to note with symbols:
     *Why use symbols؟
   
   
   
   


8. 
   

   Symbols are quicker and easier to write than words.

   
   


9. 
   

   They occupy less space on the page, making notes more compact.

   
   


10. 
    

    Symbols represent concepts, not just individual words, aiding in understanding and recall.
    *What to note with symbols؟

    
    


11. 
    

    Concepts that frequently appear in speech, such as "speak," "say," "announce," "declare," etc.

    
    


12. 
    

    Actions or intentions, like "want," "wish," "desire," "hope for."

    
    


13. 
    

    Thoughts or opinions, including "think," "consider," "hold the view," "be minded to," "be of the conviction."

    
    


14. 
    

    Proposals or suggestions, such as "propose," "suggest," "put forward," "move to," "nominate."
    Additionally, symbols can be useful for representing terms or concepts specific to a particular context or meeting, allowing for easy reference during discussions. For example, in a meeting on competition in telecommunications services, symbols for "telecommunications," "unbundling," or "last-mile" could be beneficial. These symbols may not be needed frequently outside of the meeting, so they can be forgotten over time. However, techniques like the folded notepad method can help ensure these symbols are remembered when needed during interpretation. Symbols used in note-taking must adhere to certain guidelines to be effective:

    
    


15. 
    

    *Clear and unambiguous Symbols should represent concepts in a way that is easily understandable and not open to misinterpretation.

    
    


16. 
    

    Quick and simple to draw: Symbols should be drawn rapidly without requiring much time or effort, allowing for efficient note-taking.

    
    


17. 
    

    Prepared in advance and instantly familiar: Symbols should be predetermined and familiar to the note-taker, ensuring they can be used confidently and without hesitation during interpretation. Avoid improvising new symbols mid-speech.

    
    


18. 
    

    Consistent: Each symbol should consistently represent the same concept throughout the note-taking process. For example, if "E" represents energy today, it should always signify energy and not be used for a different concept like environment or economy.
    Copying symbols from others can be helpful, but ultimately, symbols work best when they are personally meaningful and create associations in the note-taker's mind.
    An excellent example of a symbol meeting these criteria is the arrow, as demonstrated by Rosin (1956), who showed its versatility in representing various concepts with just one symbol. Understanding the relative importance of elements in a speech is crucial for interpreters. Here are some cues to help identify what's most important:

    
    


19. 
    

    Time spent discussing: More important points are often elaborated on and discussed for a longer duration compared to less important ones.

    
    


20. 
    

    Volume and emphasis: Important points are typically spoken more loudly and with greater emphasis, while less important ones may be delivered more quickly and quietly.

    
    


21. 
    

    Pace of delivery: Speakers may slow down when addressing significant points and speed up for less important ones.

    
    


22. 
    

    Body language and gestures: Speakers often use gestures, facial expressions, and body language to underscore important points or add emphasis to their speech.

    
    


23. 
    

    Interpretation: Interpreters should pay attention to these cues and adjust their interpretation accordingly, making sure to convey the varying levels of importance in their rendition of the speech.
    By recognizing and noting the varying levels of importance in different parts of the speech, interpreters can accurately convey the speaker's intended emphasis and tone during interpretation. This understanding is essential for effectively

    
    

communicating the message to the audience. Using underlining to denote importance is a common technique in note-taking and interpreting. Here's how it can be applied:
In this example, "agriculture" is underlined both times it's mentioned, indicating its significance as the backbone of the economy and the primary source of livelihood for the population. This underlining helps emphasize the importance of the term within the context of the speech.Adjusting the size of notes is another effective way to emphasize the importance of certain elements in a speech. Here's how it can be applied:
In this example, you might choose to write "agriculture" and "backbone of the economy" in larger letters to highlight their significance. This visually emphasizes the importance of these terms within the context of the speech. Shifting an entire idea to the left margin is another technique to emphasize its importance. Here's how it can be applied:
In this example, you might choose to shift the first idea ("Agriculture has continued to be the backbone of the economy") to the left margin to highlight its significance. This draws attention to the importance of this idea within the context of the speech. Using brackets is an effective way to denote information that is secondary or less important within a speech. Here's how it can be applied:
In this example, the challenges faced by the tea industry are the main assertion, while the examples provided are secondary. Placing the examples in brackets underneath the main assertion helps indicate their lesser importance within the context of the speech. Shifting an entire idea to the right margin is a technique used to downplay its importance within a speech. Here's how it can be applied:
In this example, if you deem the idea of businesses becoming more efficient and productive as less important, you might choose to shift it to the right margin. This visually indicates its lesser significance within the context of the speech. Note-taking during actual interpretation. This will allow you to focus solely on mastering the techniques without the added stress of real-time interpretation