Introduction to Interpreting Practice

This module is to advance skills and knowledge in the interpreting practice.

More specifically, it will impart general knowledge in typical areas of interpreting and develop related skills, namely active listening, note-taking, memory retention, oral presentation, public speaking and organizational skills.

Students learn to analyse ideas and information conveyed in speeches to relay those ideas from one language into another, facilitating effective communication between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module a student will have:

• acquire an understanding of cognitive processes involved in interpreting;
• apply skills of active listening, note-taking, reformulation, and public speaking in interpreting;
• develop research skills on specific subject areas including Art and Culture, Travel and Tourism, etc. for an interpreting task;
• reflect on their own performance and understand the requirements and ethics of professional interpreters.

Workload

This course will be taught over 10 weeks with 2 hours classroom contact per week (1 hour lecture, 1 hour seminar).

Scope and syllabus

This module will explore the interpreting practice in contrast to other forms of translation, different types of interpreting, as well as the basic skills, namely active listening, note-taking, reformulation, numeric expressions, and public speaking. It will also introduce tools to assess the interpreting performance in terms of accuracy, fluency, coherence, and the manner of delivery.

Materials can be drawn from a wide range of subjects, e.g., Art and Culture, Education, Travel and Tourism, Healthcare, Science and Technology, and National and International Affairs.

Method of assessment

• 50% - Learning portfolio (1800 words)
• 50% - Role-playing and reflective report (1800 words)
• The exact assessment deadline dates are published on the relevant module Moodle/BLE page

Suggested reading

• Gile, Daniel (1995) Basic Concepts and Models for Interpreter and Translator Training, Amsterdam: J. Benjamins Publishing Co.
• Edwards, Alicia Betsy (1995)  The Practice of Court Interpreting,  Amsterdam: J. Benjamins Publishing Co.
• Gentile, Adolfo (1996)  Liaison Interpreting : A Handbook,  Carlton South: Melbourne University Press
• Jone, Roderick (2002) Conference Interpreting Explained, Manchester: St Jerome Publishing
• UN conference speeches
• On-line resources

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.