Public Service Interpreting

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• advise on cross-cultural and linguistic issues related to PSI;
• provide interpreting support to a semi-professional level in different PS settings;
• use interpreting resources effectively to enhance personal practice.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• assess, discuss and analyse questions reflecting on the interpreting process in both its linguistic and cultural context.
• apply knowledge, understanding and analysis critically to different interpreting scenarios;
• identify concepts and data relevant to interpreting contexts and the challenges they may create for PS Interpreters;
• select appropriate interpreting skills and techniques required in PSI and/or in bi-cultural mediated interaction;

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• various modes of PS interpreting, their main features and purposes;
• challenging issues and appropriate strategies;
• the different roles that may be required of the PS Interpreter during an assignment and role boundaries;
• general guidelines, (self-)evaluation and further development of interpreting skills.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate interpersonal skills in monolingual and bilingual interaction;
• adhere to guidelines and deadlines;
• contribute individually or collectively to problem solving activities and dealing with sensitive or challenging topics with confidence;
• plan and organise your learning through managing time, personal development and skills (e.g. multi-tasking, reflective/critical thinking).
• communicate effectively and confidently in English and at least one other language, orally and/or in writing;

The topics and/or skills covered might include:

• interpreting techniques (consecutive, simultaneous and liaison interpreting);
• intercultural awareness and specific terminology competence;
• cultural diversity (PS user and provider profiles);
• communication skills in interpreting;
• sight translation/note-taking/glossary building;
• self-evaluation and personal development;
• NRPSI code of professional conduct & guidelines;
• challenging aspects of interpreting.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include:

• lectures and seminars;
• role play and mediation activities;
• evaluation of student-led activities;
• blackboard as a resource;
• tutor feedback on individual and group activities.

Learning activities include:

• subject specific reading;
• providing individual and group contributions to interpreting issues introduced in class;
• use of interactive interpreting resources on a regular basis;
• assessing PSI case studies, both orally and in writing;
• sight translation/note-taking/glossary building tasks.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Gillies, A. (2005). Note-taking for consecutive interpreting. Manchester: St. Jerome.

Pöchhacker, F. (2004). Introducing Interpreting Studies. London: Routledge.

Mason, I. (2001). Triadic exchanges: studies in dialogue interpreting. Manchester: St. Jerome.

Corsellis, A. (2008). Public Service Interpreting, The first steps. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Hale, S. (2007). Community interpreting. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Wadensjö, C. (1998). Interpreting as interaction. London: Longman.

Wadensjö, C. et al (2007). The Critical Link 4. Interpreters in the community. Amsterdam: Benjamins.

Assessment strategy

Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback

• opportunities before each assessment for students to seek individual advice and guidance from the tutor(s)
• in-class guidance and advice on preparation, completion and presentation of un-assessed and assessed coursework
• in-class feedback on tasks prepared for class session

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External