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Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting - LAN00117M

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Eloisa Monteoliva Garcia
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This core module will introduce you to the practical skills of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. Throughout the module, you will learn a series of transferable skills that will empower you to become a critical and reflective interpreter. You will also become familiar with key themes in Interpreting Studies.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This is an introductory module designed to equip you with the skills necessary to successfully interpret beginner to intermediate content in consecutive and simultaneous mode. Through intensive workshop-style training throughout the semester, you will learn to overcome interpreting challenges (linguistic and otherwise) and apply industry-standard tools, techniques and strategies in your practice. You will learn the crucial soft skills of discourse analysis, selfreflection, critique of peers and giving/receiving feedback, alongside competence with cutting-edge technologies. Underpinning the practice will be key principles in Interpreting Studies, with which you will actively engage.

Module learning outcomes

After completing this module, you should be able to:

  • effectively prepare for a consecutive or simultaneous interpreting task,
  • apply knowledge and understanding of current affairs and international relations,
  • apply industry-standard tools, techniques and - where appropriate - technologies,
  • implement recognised analytical and linguistic strategies,
  • successfully interpret in consecutive and simultaneous mode,
  • relate your practice to key principles in Interpreting Studies.

Module content

Outside the classroom
From week 1, alongside timetabled teaching, you are expected to:

  • Immerse yourself in current affairs; read/watch the news in all of your languages, engage with analysis
  • Research the topic of the week
  • Write your own short speeches in all of your languages
  • Schedule regular practice time with your peers

Topics, techniques and skills covered in the classroom:

  • Memory exercises
  • Active listening
  • Speech analysis
  • Presentation / public speaking skills
  • Summarising and paraphrasing
  • Introductino to note taking
  • Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting training
  • Note-taking
  • Equipment training
  • Shadowing , chuchotage
  • Etiquette, hardware and software
  • Glossary building
  • Stress managment

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Consecutive interpreting of speech		 0.13 hours 50
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Simultaneous interpreting of speech		 0.17 hours 50

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Given the hands-on nature of this course and the focus on intensive practice in workshops and mock conferences, you will receive regular feedback and feed-forward on your performance. You will receive guidance on best practices around self and peer assessment so that you can apply them during self-study time in the interpreting lab and/or at home.

Assessment 1 and 2: you will receive written and verbal feedback from their language-specific tutor.

Assessment 3 and 4: you will receive written and verbal feedback from their language-specific tutor and the course unit convenor.

Indicative reading

Albl-Mikasa, M., & Tiselius, E. (Eds.). (2021). The Routledge handbook of conference interpreting. Routledge.

Baigorri-Jalón, J., Fernández-Sánchez, M. M., & Payàs, G. (2021, November). Historical developments in conference interpreting: An overview. In The Routledge handbook of conference interpreting (pp. 9-18). Routledge.

Chen, S. (2016). Note taking in consecutive interpreting: A review with special focus on Chinese and English literature. The Journal of Specialised Translation, 26(1), 151-171.

Fantinuoli, C. (2018). Interpreting and technology: The upcoming technological turn. Interpreting and technology, 1-12.

Fantinuoli, C. (2019). Interpreting and technology. Language Science Press.

Garzone, G., & Viezzi, M. (Eds.). (2002). Interpreting in the 21st century: Challenges and opportunities.

Gillies, A. (2017). Note-taking for consecutive interpreting: A short course. Taylor & Francis.

Gillies, A. (2019). Consecutive interpreting: A short course. Routledge.

Hale, S., & Napier, J. (2013). Research methods in interpreting: A practical resource. A&C
Black.

Jones, R. (2014). Conference interpreting explained. Routledge.

Nolan, J. (2005). Interpretation: Techniques and exercises. Multilingual Matters.

Pöchhacker, F. (Ed.). (2015). Routledge encyclopedia of interpreting studies. Routledge.

Pöchhacker, F. (2022). Introducing interpreting studies. Routledge.

Pöchhacker, F., & Shlesinger, M. (2002). The interpreting studies reader. Routledge.

Roy, C. B., Brunson, J. L., & Stone, C. A. (2018). The academic foundations of interpreting studies: An introduction to its theories. Gallaudet University Press.

Rozan, JF. (1974). La prise de notes en interprétation consécutive. Librairie de l'Université
Georg.

Taylor-Bouladon, V. (2018). Conference Interpreting. An Encyclopedia of Practical Translation and Interpreting, 443-470.

Zwischenberger, C., & Behr, M. (Eds.). (2015). Interpreting quality: A look around and ahead
(Vol. 19). Frank & Timme GmbH.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.