Language and Culture in Action – Interpretation I

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

• Interpreters need to identify speaker goals and aim to produce dynamic equivalence.
• Interpreters need to differentiate between main points and supporting detail in their interpretations.
• Interpreters need to be aware when they have omitted main points in their interpretations.
• Competent practitioners adjust their communication to the setting by deciding when and where to use consecutive and simultaneous interpreting.
• Practitioners’ awareness of the process of interpretation increases field effectiveness.
• Interpreters can enhance their learning by recognizing and identifying areas in their interpretation and language use that need strengthening.
• Interpreters often are called upon to interpret discourses that include visual materials and must have strategies for doing this effectively.
• Practitioners often work in teamed situations. To ensure quality service when teaming, interpreters must know how to effectively work together and provide support for one another.  When working in teams, interpreters can provide feedback to one another to enhance their professional development.
• Interpreters may work in isolation and are required to incorporate strategies which allow them to provide accurate interpretations.
• Interpreters need to be versatile across linguistic registers and consumers’ communication needs.