|
| Module Availability |
| Autumn and spring semesters |
|
|
| Assessment Pattern |
|
Unit(s) of Assessment
|
Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
|
|
Oral examination consecutive interpreting, 15-20 mins
(end of Autumn semester)
|
30%
|
|
Oral examination bilateral interpreting, 10-15 mins
(middle of Spring semester)
|
20%
|
|
Oral role-play examination bilateral interpreting, 15-20 mins
(towards the end of the Spring semester
|
40%
|
|
Reflective presentation on third oral examination, 10 mins
(end of Spring semester)
|
10%
|
Qualifying Condition(s): a weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module. |
|
|
| Module Overview |
| This module is concerned with spoken-language interpreting between English and the chosen language in business-related settings. It provides students with the practical knowledge and skills required to perform interpreting tasks professionally and effectively in a wide variety of relevant communicative situations. |
|
|
| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
| First degree in English, an appropriate language or equivalent. Near-native or native competency in English. |
|
|
| Module Aims |
| The module focuses on the modes of interpreting which are particularly relevant for business-related settings: consecutive, liaison and whispered simultaneous interpreting. Through a range of exercises aimed at developing discourse comprehension and production strategies, note-taking techniques and presentation skills, the module will enable students to acquire the necessary interpreting skills and to apply these in a professional capacity. Through discussion and analysis of different interpreting situations the module will furthermore help students to develop a thorough understanding of the role of interpreters, and prepare them for professional practice in a wide variety of business-related situations. |
|
|
| Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module students will:
-
demonstrate a thorough understanding of the major principles of interpreting and the challenges of different interpreting situations,
-
be able to perform interpreting tasks in consecutive, liaison, whispered simultaneous and remote mode, between English and the selected language,
-
be able to select interpreting strategies appropriate for the required mode and the situation
-
be able to grasp, transfer and express meaning reliably, accurately and clearly,
-
be able to support and mediate communication effectively and to intervene appropriately if the communication is in danger of breaking down,
-
be able to take and use notes effectively,
-
be aware of information and communication technologies used in interpreting situations and of the challenges that they create for interpreting,
-
be able to interpret, to a standard approaching professional level, in a wide variety of business-related contexts including meetings and negotiations, company tours, official functions, private dinners, escorting guests etc.
-
be able to work effectively under conditions of time pressure and cognitive pressure;
-
have acquired the research skills necessary to prepare for interpreting tasks, e.g. terminological research
-
have acquired a rigorous code of conduct for interpreting in business situations including issues such as confidentiality, impartiality, awareness of limitations.
|
|
|
| Module Content |
Students will be provided with a general introduction to relevant interpreting situations and interpreter's work environments in a business context, and the linguistic, social and cultural challenges, with particular reference to the chosen language combination.
Initial practical exercises will be designed to develop and systematically improve comprehension, memorisation, retrieval and production strategies, note-taking techniques and presentation skills.
The module will then focus on intensive practice of consecutive, liaison, whispered simultaneous interpreting, also including remote interpreting (using telephone or videoconference links). Particular emphasis will be on bilateral interpreting exercises to enable students to deal with the bi-directionality of many business interpreting situations. Further practice will also cover sight translation and the interpretation of presentation aids (e.g. powerpoint slides).
Students will analyse and discuss their own practice as well as prototypical interpreting scenarios in order to reflect on the difficulties, the required knowledge and strategies, and to develop their solutions.
Furthermore, the module will include discussions of potential clients' needs, the interpreter's role (broker or mediator, advocate or assistant), the code of conduct for interpreting in business situations, and the implications of these issues on selecting appropriate strategies and solutions.
In individual and group projects students will learn how to prepare for an interpreting assignment, including gathering information from clients, researching relevant terminology etc.
Materials will include authentic and recorded materials from general and specialized registers. Where possible, students will be given the opportunity to practice in role-play situations and simulated ‘real-life’ interpreting tasks. |
|
|
| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
Classes will consist of a mix of approx. 30% teacher-led input and discussion, and 70% practical exercise in the form of workshops, simulations of round-table debates and mini-conferences, allowing for extensive practice using the Department’s facilities and including critical evaluation of performance. Students will be recorded frequently to enable them to analyse and enhance different aspects of their performance.
Students are expected to spend time researching the subject areas and are encouraged to develop Internet and research skills to enable them to find appropriate materials for preparation. Students are also expected to spend at least 4-6 hours per week practising on interpreting materials, individually and in groups. Interpreting problems arising from assignments are discussed in class.
The module will involve twenty four hours class contact per semester. |
|
|
| Selected Texts/Journals |
Barnes, Valerie (2004) A foreign affair: a passionate life in four languages London: Bantam
Gillies, Andrew (2005): Note-taking for consecutive interpreting Manchester: St. Jerome
Gile, Daniel (1995) Basic concepts and models for interpreter and translator training Amsterdam: Benjamins
Nolan, James (2005): Interpretation. Techniques and exercises Clevedon: Multilingual Matters |
|
|
| Last Updated |
| 27 August 2008 |
|
|
