From conference venue to classroom: the use of guided conference observation to enhance interpreter training
Journal
Interpreter and Translator Trainer
Journal Volume
11
Journal Issue
4
Pages
294-315
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
The opportunity to attend real international conferences and observe professional interpreters in action has long been regarded as an integral part of conference-interpreting training. This study investigates the use of a conference-observation form designed by two interpreting trainers to make conference attendance more effective and relevant for interpreting trainees by guiding them through the observation process and leading them to reflect on the observation experience. The form was constructed to direct students’ attention to various interpreting-related aspects of the conferences under study. To complete the form, students are required to carry out the following tasks. 1. To describe the layout of the conference venue. 2. To select three speakers from the agenda, closely observe their delivery style and content, and assess the challenges their speeches pose for interpreters. 3. To listen closely to the interpretations to identify the strategies implemented by the interpreters as they try to overcome the above-mentioned challenges. 4. To listen solely to an interpreter (i.e. not the corresponding speaker) for a self-designated period, and imagine the experience of a conference attendee who relies solely on interpretation to follow what is said during the conference. 5. To reflect on what they have learned from their observations, and how the experience has affected their approach to the acquisition of interpreting skills. We collected 50 reports on 20 conferences from 17 interpreting students. The conferences took place at different venues and covered a wide range of topics. The conference-observation form was found to be effective in facilitating extensive and in-depth observation and reflection. The results of the study also show that attending actual conferences provides conference-interpreting students with authentic insights into the use of interpreting skills in the real world.
SDGs
Type
journal article