SYNOPSIS

In this unit, further theoretical studies are introduced along with practical applications. The topics to be covered for these interpreting exercises will have an emphasis on industry, business, politics, general contemporary affairs, education, medicine, government institutions, etc.

The development or reinforcement of skills and techniques needed for consecutive interpreting (note-taking, sight translation, dialogue interpreting and speech interpreting of approximately 5 minutes) will be undertaken. The practical applications in this unit also serve as preparation for further studies in APG5885 Advanced interpreting which will commence in Semester 2B. 

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this unit, students should

have expanded their theoretical knowledge of the various facets of interpreting and their understanding of  the practical aspects of acting as an interpreter in an industry/social environment ;

have further developed the specific skills needed to provide consecutive interpreting of both dialogue and  speech.

have developed skills needed to provide a sight translation

be able to identify the implicit structural organization of an extemporaneous speech

be able to perceive essential meaning and have further developed note-taking techniques.

have mastered the necessary interpreting skills to deliver a clear, stylish and faithful presentation.      

have expanded their active vocabulary      to include the terms and idioms frequently used in extemporaneous  speeches.

be able to interpret passages that are delivered at professional settings, and are of moderate difficulty.

METHODOLOGY

In the seminars, students will gain an understanding of the principles, the techniques and the theoretical underpinnings of interpreting.

In the workshops, they will practise consecutive interpreting (dialogue or speech interpreting - into their A and B language) and sight translation (into their A and B language) to enhance their understanding of the skills inherent to these activities.

For each format, student participation is essential and assessment will, in part, be based on participation in and preparation for class exercises.

CLASS CONTACT & ATTENDANCE

Students have 5 contact hours per week, consisting of one 2 hour seminar and one 3 hour workshop.  

Details are provided in the schedule of the course.

APG5691 is an intensive unit; students are expected to attend all of their classes.

First 8 Weeks – 75% English to Chinese, 25% Chinese to English

Last 4 Weeks – 50% English to Chinese, 50% Chinese to English

Weekly schedule

FINAL EXAM (speech interpreting and sight translation) will be organised in week 14.

ASSESSMENT

Attendance, class exercises and participation:   20%

Professional Folio (Mock conference report, glossaries, reading notes: 30%

Dialogue interpreting exam: 20%

Final exams (consecutive speech interpreting and sight translation A <> B)     30%

Details of each assessment task:

1. Attendance, class exercises and participation:

Attendance at lectures, public personas/performance workshops, common workshops and language-specific workshops; preparation for all tasks; reflection on performance including self-evaluation

2. Professional folio:

Mock conference preparation; appraising one’s own interpretation; appraising a classmate’s interpretation/s; glossary and research for topic areas – education, health care, business, foreign affairs, legal and police, court, immigration / refugee tribunal; research/reading notes from five (5) readings from the Unit Outline reading list.

3. Dialogue interpreting exam

Dialogue, bi-directional interpreting of two (2) situations containing an English- and a LOTE-speaker. Each dialogue situation lasts approx. 12 minutes.

4. Final exam

Sight translation into and from English of two texts of approx. 200 words (or equivalent thereof).Consecutive speech interpreting of two speeches, one from English, one into English of an approx. length of 300 words (or equivalent thereof). Each speech is delivered in two parts. Each part is a length of between 130 and 170 words (or equivalent thereof).

Attendance at oral examinations is obligatory. All items of assessment must be attempted.