Novice Interpreters: Competencies and Training Needs

Abstract

The lack of practical training in interpreting courses at universities represents considerable challenges. Many university interpretation students suffer from inadequate training that prepares them for the interpretation market. Graduates will not be hired as interpreters unless they have high-quality interpretation skills. In spite of the crucial role of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting training in preparing well-qualified interpreters, researchers have not treated this role in much detail. The present study investigates the impact of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting training on fostering EFL learners' interpretation competencies. The study sample consists of 26 students from the fourth level in the Translation Department, UST, Yemen, who are studying consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. The students will be exposed to extensive training in interpreting courses, including many practical activities such as role-playing, focus group discussion, simulation, pairs work, discussion, and interaction. A smart screen, PowerPoint presentation, live videos, and EU Interpretation training toolbox will be used. To evaluate the impact of this intensive training on developing interpreters' competencies, the students' interpretation performance will be mid-assessed during training and post-assessed at the end of the training, using standard criteria in evaluating interpreters. The study will pave the way for addressing the weakness of interpretation students in the interpreting field.