Introduction to Interpreting

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of English to enable access to bibliography.

Teaching Methods

Lectures and practical interpreting oriented exercises, film and documentary viewing and listening to recorded speeches, conferences etc.

Discussion of theoretical issues based on student presentations of relevant topics and articles on the history and theory of interpreting.

If possible, students will observe events with interpreting services.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the semester students will

1. be able to identify the main characteristics of interpreting and recognize the most important similarities and differences between translation and interpreting, mobilizing and complementing the knowldege acquired in Translation Theory;

2. know the main aspects of the history of interpreting both as an activity/profession and as a theoretical field, complementing the knowledge acquired in Translation Theory;

3. be familiar with interpreting techniques and more aware of the problems concerning interlinguistic exchanges, although training interpreters for the market is not an objective of this course.

4. have had contact with the application of interpreting techniques in the context of a real event.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

a) Main characteristics of interpreting as an activity/profession.

b) Differences between interpreting and translation.

c) Characteristics, tools and techniques for the different varieties of interpreting.

d) The history of interpreting as an activity/profession and as an academic field; main theoretical and research approaches.

e) Preparatory exercises for interpreting: practice of research strategies and techniques, oral discourse analysis, oral expression, and note-taking.

f) Concentration, memory, synthesis, reformulation and improvisation exercises.

g) Consecutive, simultaneous and whispered/chuchotage interpreting activities in the classroom.

h) Visit to an event with interpreting services.

Head Lecturer(s)

Cornelia Elisabeth Plag

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 30.0%
Participation in classroom activities: 30.0%
Research work: 40.0%

Bibliography

Driesen, Christiane & Haimo-Andreas Petersen (2011), Gerichtsdolmetschen. Tübingen: Narr Verlag.

Jones, Roderick (2002)[1998], Conference Interpreting Explained. Manchester: St. Jerome.

Nolan, James (2012), Interpretation. Techniques and Exercises. 2nd ed. Bristol, Buffalo & Toronto: Multilingual Matters.

Pöchhacker, Franz & Miriam Shlesinger (eds.) (2002) The Interpreting Studies Reader. London & New York: Routledge.

Pöchhacker, Franz (2004), Introducing Interpreting Studies. London & New York: Routledge.

 

Serão fornecidos outros elementos bibliográficos no início do curso, a complementar ainda com bibliografia específica referente às várias matérias em discussão. | Further bibliography will be provided during the semester.