I02-Interpreting: Consecutive, Level 1

Learn the underpinnings of Consecutive Interpreting, the most popular form of interpreting. The interpreter listens to several sentences delivered by a speaker in the source language, taking notes to ensure accuracy and completeness in the capture of the message; the speaker then stops talking to allow the interpreter to deliver the verbal interpretation of the message; during such pause, the interpreter conveys the information out loud and clearly, in the target language; the speaker and any other parties involved listen in silence to the interpreter; once the interpreter stops, the same speaker or a different one will start speaking again while the interpreter listens. The cycle is repeated until the conversation ends.

During this workshop you will learn the basic roles of the consecutive interpreter as a conduit, a clarifier, a culture broker and an advocate. You will understand the importance of ethics, cultural competence, confidentiality, accuracy, completeness, impartiality, professional courtesy, and impediments to performance. You will learn about standards of practice, legislation and regulations (or the lack thereof), certification and training available.

Stress will be given to the need for highly developed note-taking skills. Information will be shared about exercises to improve memory and how to analyze ideas to understand content. Practice exercises will be provided to learn how to listen for meaning and how to prepare for interpreting assignments, including guides to acquire linguistic knowledge and technical terminology in the primary and secondary working languages, in different specialties and industries.