The module aims to introduce students to the practice of interpreting in a number of different settings. A theoretical introduction will explain the history of interpreting, key terminology, the communication process in interpreting discourse as well as the main interpreting modes and techniques. The remaining practical seminars will require students to work on a variety of speeches from different contexts (from conferences to business meetings, the Home Office, local government and hospitals) to practice the different techniques and strategies which can be adopted for each context.

* Please note that in the case of circumstances beyond our control, we will not be able to offer our full suite of optional modules or cover all language pairs.

​

1. Competently apply the main interpreting modes: consecutive, simultaneous and sight translation (LO1)
2. Effectively apply and critically evaluate the main skills required for interpreting of active listening, analysing, processing and reformulation (LO2)
3. Accurately interpret short speeches, texts and role plays on a variety of topics competently and accurately into and out of their A language (LO3)
4. Act in a professional manner in any setting with reference to the established industry codes of conduct (LO4)
5. Research any given topic and prepare a glossary relevant to the said topic (LO5)
6. Reflect critically on own practice. (LO6)

The module will be delivered through a range of interactive teaching sessions supplemented by online teaching and learning activities and materials – and may include, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.  

The first few lectures will introduce the history of interpreting, key concepts, modes and techniques. The following weeks will be organised into practical workshops where students will be introduced to the theory and practice of sight-translation, consecutive, and simultaneous interpreting in different settings. In the last week, students will be tested on the consecutive and simultaneous interpreting techniques.

Students will develop the following skills:

• The main interpreting skills of active listening, analysing, processing and reformulation

• Ability to interpret a short speech in consecutive and simultaneous mode from and into their A language in a variety of settings

• Ability to behave in a professional manner when working in any of the settings

• Ability to research the relevant information for an assignment in a given field

• Ability to reflect critically on own practice

The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.

This course is assessed by a critical essay to be handed in week 11 and by interpreting exams that will take place in the last teaching week (week 8). There will also be formative interpreting assessments in weeks 4 and 6.

There will also be formative interpreting assessments in weeks 4 and 6*.

*Please note that there could be different arrangements for languages with a large group of students.

Mapping of Assessments to Intended Learning Outcomes

Critical essay 35%. This assesses LOs 2, 4, 5 and 6.

Practical interpreting exam: Consecutive 25%. This assesses LOs 1, 2, 3, and 5.

Practical interpreting exam: Simultaneous (from English) 20%. This assesses LOs 1, 2, 3, and 5.

Practical interpreting exam: Simultaneous (into English) 20%. This assesses LOs 1, 2, 3, and 5

Reassessment

You may be required to resit one or more of the assessments in this module if you fail the module. The Examination Board will advise you which assessments you need to resit during the August resit period. Resit assessments that are not supported by extenuating circumstances will be capped at the pass mark applicable to your programme.

Week 1: Introduction: History of interpreting/Main interpreting modes and settings.

Week 2: Ethical Issues in Interpreting

Week 3: Public Service Interpreting

Week 4: Consecutive Interpreting

Week 5: Simultaneous Interpreting

Week 6: Other Modes of Interpreting

Week 7: Revision and Test Preparation

Week 8: Interpreting Test