THE TEAM APPROACH TO SPECIALIST TRAINING IN PUBLIC

SERVICE INTERPRETING AND TRANSLATING AT HERIOT-WATT

UNIVERSITY

Department of Languages & Intercultural Studies (LINCS)Centre for Translation & Interpreting Studies in Scotland (CTISS)

Isabelle Perez & Christine Wilson

RATIONALE

Postgraduate provisionLegislation and policiesMarket demand

Liaison interpreting is a profession where, like medicine, teaching and the law, the

client’s welfare is usually affected directly. This is not only because most liaison

interpreting takes place in the context of other professions such as medicine,

teaching and the law, but also because interpreting has its own particular kinds of

knowledge, skills and practices which require particular ethical considerations.

Gentile et al, 1996

Core provision (Translation)

Dedicated modules (Interpreting)

Practical activities

Theory (Ethics)

Course Structure and Theoretical Underpinning

METHODOLOGY - DELIVERY

Interactive lectures In-house simulations inc Mock

Trial Interactive seminars led by PS

professionalsInput on proceduresField visitsApplied practice

TEAM APPROACH

Internal: work across language groups, self and peer assessment, students as users…

External: PS professionals as real users, debriefing sessions involving all participants…

ADVANTAGES

• Students « believe » it,

• …they are able to challenge and discuss

• … but there is still a role for the tutor

• … and the PS professional feeds good practice back into their profession…

RESULTS AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

• Enhancing employability • Widening access

• VLE – Distance Learning

CONTACT

I.A.Perez@hw.ac.uk

C.W.L.Wilson@hw.ac.uk

Tel: 0131 451 4201

REFERENCE

Perez, IA & Wilson, CWL et al (2006). Translating, Interpreting & Communication Support: A Review of Provision in Public Services in Scotland. Edinburgh: Scottish Executive.

[ISBN 0 7559 2893 8]

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch