Bi-lateral Interpreting between Chinese and English 2

Code

MLAC4034

School

Modern Languages and Cultures

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module aims to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills required to provide professional standard Bi-lateral interpreting between English and Chinese. It focuses on simultaneous interpreting training and delivery core skills pertaining to this interpreting activity. Key interpreting techniques and skills covered include projecting the speaker and delivering intended speech effects.  Techniques are developed for communication with the audience as well as the ability to use specialised simultaneous interpreting equipment. The module is workshop-led to maximise practice in class, focusing on two of the most challenging scenarios – speeches and presentations.

Students must achieve a mark of 63 or above in MLAC4033 in order to progress to this module.

Target Students

Only available for students on the MA in Chinese/English Translation and Interpreting programme. Students must achieve a mark of 63 or above in MLAC4033 in order to progress to this module.

Co-requisites

Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:

• Bi-lateral Interpreting between Chinese and English 1 (MLAC4033)

Classes

• One 2-hour workshop each week for 10 weeks
• Two 2-hour practicums each week for 10 weeks

The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.

Assessment

• 100% Project 1: Interpreting portfolio containing weekly simulmateous interpreting practice recording, learning diary and background research in a chosen subject area.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

A. Knowledge and understanding of:

• Bi-Lateral interpreting as the pre-dominant genre of consecutive interpreting between English and Chinese;

• The key concepts related to this genre - the dynamics at play, the relationship between the interpreter, the client, the agency, the speaker, and many others involved;

• The special requirements – linguistic, translational, interpersonal, cultural dimensions;

• The key parameters or Rules of Engagement including ethical issues;

• The major situations in which Bi-lateral interpreting between English and Chinese are frequently used;

• The subject matters where Bi-Lateral Interpreting between English and Chinese are frequently in demand;

• The business cycle of a professional interpreter from receiving an enquiry to post-mortem.

• Ability and skills to use simultaneous interpreting equipment in a professional setting.

• Ability and adaptability required to work with fellow interpreters.

Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section are achieved through a series of workshops, practical classes and self-directed study. Assessment is via recorded oral exams.

B. Intellectual skills:

• Assessing/analysing an interpreting assignment;

• Assessing the speaker;

• Ability to understand unfamiliar subjects;

• Ability to organize/structure unfamiliar or someone else’s ideas/thoughts.

Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section are achieved through a series of workshops, practical classes and self-directed study. Assessment is via recorded oral exams and interpreter’s portfolio.

C. Professional practical skills:

• Use of notes to facilitate quality of interpreting;

• Presentation/public speaking;

• Delivering the speaker’s intended effect;

• Handling common difficulties;

• Planning and preparing for an interpreting assignment;

• Research and glossary preparation to include efficient use of available resources;

• Communication with clients/agencies.

Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section are achieved through a series of workshops, practical classes and self-directed study. Assessment is via recorded oral exams and interpreter’s portfolio.

D. Transferable (key) skills:

• Research;

• Presentation/public speaking;

• Handling the conversion between English and Chinese;

• Self-assessment and self-development;

• Planning and preparing for a job;

• Interpersonal communication;

• Working calmly under pressure/stress.

• Teamwork.

Teaching and Learning and Assessment for above section are achieved through a series of workshops, practical classes and self-directed study. Assessment is via recorded oral exams and interpreter’s portfolio.

Conveners

• Dr Yvonne Lee