Simultaneous Interpreting I General Seminars

1
Simultaneous Interpreting IGeneral Seminars

• Dr Morven Beaton-Thome
• Session 3

2
Simultaneous Interpreting I

• Self-reflexive learning
• Keeping an interpreting diary
• Self study
• Group study
• Interpreting assignment
• Recording a simultaneous interpretation
• Writing an interpreting commentary

3
Simultaneous Interpreting I

• Why keep an interpreting diary?
• Track progress
• Isolate problem areas
• Highlight strengths
• Document self-study
• What should be included?
• Status of preparation
• Facts and figures (what speech, how long was the
  segment?)
• Self-assessment of interpreting performance
• Reflection on performance (why was this
  good/weak)
• Points for further action

4
Simultaneous Interpreting I

• Preparation
• Find out about the subject/speaker/location
• Collect and read/listen to parallel texts in both
  languages (articles/speeches/audio files)
• Glossary-based terminology

5
Simultaneous Interpreting I

• Criteria for self-assessment
• Content/Structure
• Accuracy of information
• Language quality (lexis/syntax/style)
• Technique
• Décalage (too close/too far back)
• Sequencing (fluent/medium/spasmodic)
• Presentation
• Delivery (confidence/manner/rhythm)
• Speed (halting/medium/too fast)
• Voice Production
• Microphone use

6
Simultaneous Interpreting I

• Reflection on performance
• What was difficult?
• Where was I successful?
• How did I feel about the speaker/topic/view
  expressed?
• What strategies/techniques could I have used in
  hindsight?

7
Simultaneous Interpreting I

• Points for further action
• Where were my weak points?
• What can I do about it?
• Exercises targeting particular areas
• Non-interpreting activities
• ..

8
Simultaneous Interpreting I

• Recording a simultaneous interpretation
• 3 minutes B-A or C/A
• Extract from a speech covered in class
• Record in conjunction with the original speech
• Limit the number of attempts

9
Simultaneous Interpreting I

• Interpreting commentary
• From the point of view of the agent
  (self-reflexive)
• Strategy-based
• Comparative (product-based)
• Quality-based (error analysis vs. user
  expectations)

10
Simultaneous Interpreting I

• Interpreting critical analysis
• Why are you interpreting this particular speech
  (situation, commissioner etc.)?
• What difficulties did you encounter and how did
  you solve them?
• What strategies did you employ/could you have
  employed?
• Role of preparation
• Employ the metalanguage covered in the core
  modules in this critical analysis.