TRAM487 Simultaneous Interpreting II

By the end of the module students will be able to:  

• perform simultaneous interpreting to a standard approaching professional level, in a range of unilateral and bilateral situations such as speeches and dialogues and using simultaneous interpreting equipment as appropriate 
• demonstrate advanced analytical skills to grasp, transfer and express main ideas, additional meanings and nuances reliably, accurately and clearly alongside the ability to select confidently interpreting strategies appropriate for simultaneous interpreting (e.g. split attention, time lag, anticipation) and whispered interpreting (chuchotage), retour and relay interpreting from/through a pivot language in different situations and justify the selection in relation to the requirements of a given situation 
• apply the major principles of interpreting to anticipate the challenges of an interpreter-mediated event and advanced skills to prepare and perform during interpreting assignments, including subject-related and terminological research, through a variety of resources, including digital ones     
• strengthen resilience strategies and the ability to manage nerves and work effectively under conditions of time pressure and cognitive pressure as well as the ability to work in tandem with a teammate/boothmate (booth etiquette) and/or as part of a larger interpreter team 
• appraise the specific challenges of using information and communication technologies in situations of bilingual and multilingual simultaneous interpreting           
• support and mediate communication effectively and employ a rigorous code of conduct for interpreting including issues such as confidentiality and impartiality      
• critically assess simultaneous interpreting performance by means of self- and peer assessment 

The module focuses on the intensive practice of one-way and two-way simultaneous interpreting and encourages students to analyse and reflect upon their own interpreting practice in language-pair specific groups. Particular emphasis is on different types of unilateral situations. Another important aspect is learning how to deal with bilateral situations in which simultaneous (whispered) interpreting is required such as bilateral talks and debates as well as dialogue interpreting scenarios (e.g. courtroom interpreting). The module strongly builds upon student learning in TRAM486 and helps to acquire more advanced skills in preparation for professional life. Greater emphasis is placed on detailed and nuanced renditions, the projection of the speaker’s intentions and, in all situations, due attention is paid to the students’ ability to handle the simultaneity of source language comprehension and target language production and the production of an accurate, coherent and fluent output in the target language. Moreover, emphasis is placed on developing students’ awareness of the embeddedness of a speech in the ‘conference hypertext’ and the importance of conveying a message that is in line with the overall communicative goal and purpose of the encounter. Further practice covers teamwork and the use of aids in the interpreting booth as well as the specifics of whispered interpreting for individuals and the use of mobile interpreting equipment for small groups of interlocutors. Students also review how to prepare for an assignment and how to continue learning after an assignment. 

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: 

• combine teacher-led input and discussion and hands-on activities allowing for extensive practice using the Department’s facilities 
• enable learning in language-pair specific small group workshops allowing students to develop their practical skills and expertise in interpreting 
• encourage critical self- and peer-evaluation of the students’ performance 

The learning and teaching methods include a combination of: 

• Language-pair specific practice workshops that enable students to develop advanced interpreting skills through extensive practice, extended interpreting assignments and thematic approaches to the study of interpreting and receive a large amount of formative feedback from their tutors and peers. Workshops include opportunities for hands-on practice in simulated real-life scenarios.  
• Independent study during which students are expected to research the subject areas and are encouraged to develop Internet digital and research skills to enable them to find appropriate materials for preparation; students are also expected to spend time practising on interpreting materials, individually and in groups; and carry out regular (self-)recording to analyse and enhance different aspects of their performance; interpreting problems arising from assignments are discussed in class.  
• Students are encouraged to be active participants throughout the practical sessions, and support one-another during the process, and in doing so, develop as informed, confident, collaborative and independent learners.  

• Interpreting Test: Advanced Simultaneous Interpreting into A Language (60%) 
• Final Interpreting Test: Dialogue scenario with Whispered Interpreting (Both-Ways) (40%) 

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