Listening Comprehension in English-Chinese Interpreting: Problem Triggers and Intensive Linguistic Training

Abstract

listening comprehension in English-Chinese interpreting is quite challenging for Chinese students. Prior interpreting research often focuses on memorization, note-taking, interpreting techniques, and production abilities, while to some extent neglecting listening comprehension. Additionally, problem triggers in listening comprehension are often discussed with a focus on increased training rather than their underlying causes and specific countermeasures. From both interpreting practice and teaching, it has been found that problem triggers in listening comprehension are largely due to insufficient bilingual proficiency of beginners, thus those triggers in this study are discussed from the perspective of phonetics, lexicons, and syntactic structures. To improve students’ listening comprehension, particularly in English, it is essential to strengthen linguistic competency through intensive linguistic training such as summary exercises, sentences retelling, and the combination of practice quantity and quality. Besides, using AI for pre-listening preparation and application of interpreting techniques are crucial to language enhancement training. The practical methods and examples provided aim to offer a reference for improving both the listening comprehension and English-Chinese interpreting guidance.