ABSTRACT
The preceding research on notetaking in consecutive interpreting includes those conducted by Herbert (1952, Chinese transl. 1960), Rozan (1956, English transl. 2002), Van Hoof (1962), Seleskovitch (1975, 1989, 1995), Myers (1976), Minhua Liu (1993), Jones (1998), and Heping Liu (2001). These studies can be classifi ed into two groups based on their views and methods. The fi rst group is focused on how interpreters should take notes (including the main precepts of notetaking and what and how to take notes and/or memorize2) and tries to describe the forms, writing methods, cognitive validity,3 and so on, of notetaking. In other words, this group deals with the standards and operational guidelines for notetaking.4 The other group is focused on the characteristics and patterns of symbols used for notetaking in consecutive interpreting. One notable example of this group is Matyssek (1989), who proposes a highly elaborate symbol-based system of notetaking.5
