TR6057 - Introduction to Interpreting (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27, but may be subject to modification | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Introduction to Interpreting | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
In this module, you will leverage your existing translation skills to complete an introduction into the world of interpreting. You will become aware of the professional contexts and skills required for interpreters in the fields of public services and events (debates, speeches and meetings) and will apply the language transfer skills you have acquired in written translation to practice successful transfer in the spoken context of interpreting.
This module aims to:
• Introduce you to the skills required for interpreting and sight translation in a general context.
• Explore public speaking skills to communicate clearly and effectively, contributing to provide a clear and accurate interpretation.
• Develop notetaking skills that support memorisation to provide accurate interpretation.
• Learn the necessary preparation skills required for effective interpretation, including the use of relevant technologies.
Syllabus
Sessions will be organised per themes that will require preparation (LO4), such as getting informed on the topic, extracting terminology and activating terminology.
From this context, students will then practise their public speaking skills with short presentations in their L1 and L2, that will then be explored for interpreting practice (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4).
Written materials identified during the preparations stage will be explored further with sight translation in L1 and L2 (LO1, LO2, LO4). Sight translations will provide a first step to encourage split attention essential for effective interpretation (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4).
Interpreting practice will be recorded to reflect and assess on accuracy, clarity and delivery of the message (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4).
This practical module will be organised in weekly generic sessions, with some language specific tutorials. Students will record their practice to reflect on their interpreting performance and gradually make progress and increase their confidence when interpreting (LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4).
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Students will be required to research certain themes that will be explored during class. Evidence of independent work (terminology management, glossaries, recording of sight translations and interpreting practice) will need to be provided.
During class time, interpreting practice and sight translation will be the main focus, applying the knowledge and terminology prepared independently.
After class, students will independently debrief their performance done in class and reflect to generate SMART objectives for their following preparation and practice.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
1. Develop the practical skills required to complete simple interpreting assignments and sight translations.
2. Establish and maintain the communication skills required to interpret clearly and accurately.
3. Introduce note taking skills to support memorisation and interpret accurately.
4. Systematically understanding how to effectively prepare for an interpreting assignment and thereby enhance interpreting performance.