The choice of the subject of this paper might seem surprising at first, as many people would not perceive much non-verbal communication when a simultaneous interpreter works nearly invisibly in his booth – a very common image of interpretation in people’s minds. By Chantal Besson, Daria Graf, Insa Hartung, Barbara Kropfhäusser and Séverine Voisard.*

It is quite usual to forget about many aspects of non-verbal communication when hearing this notion. In fact, what comes to mind immediately are body gestures or facial expressions. However, there are many more aspects.

For this reason, chapter two begins with a definition of non-verbal communication and chapter three illustrates these definitions with examples. They also show the importance of non-verbal communication in daily life.

In the following paper, the task of the interpreter is analysed in two steps: first, the transfer of a message from the speaker to the interpreter and secondly, the transfer of this message from the interpreter to the audience.

The first step is discussed in chapter four, which deals with certain neuroscientific aspects of the process of interpreting non-verbal communication. It is also about the importance of face-to-face situations and shared culture with respect to interpreting non-verbal communication. Furthermore it is mentioned, which role emotional intelligence plays in the understanding process for non-verbal communication. More.

See: AIIC