Interpreting Techniques 3305-TTU-U

The aim of the course is to prepare students to perform oral interpreting in a conscious, accurate and context-appropriate manner, with due consideration given to the selection of suitable interpreting strategies and techniques. The course focuses on deepening theoretical knowledge and developing practical skills in oral translation, with particular emphasis on solutions characteristic of consecutive interpreting, sight translation and selected aspects of simultaneous interpreting, as well as on the analysis of situational factors influencing the interpreting process.

During the course, special attention is paid to developing listening comprehension skills and enhancing cognitive abilities that are essential in the work of an interpreter, including concentration, information selection and effective memory use. Students become familiar with a range of strategies and methods supporting these processes, including mnemonic techniques and the principles of note-taking used in consecutive interpreting, which constitute an important component of the practical classes. These competences are developed through preparatory exercises such as shadowing, carried out in conditions that closely resemble authentic communicative situations.

Classes are conducted in an integrated format, alternating theoretical input with intensive practical exercises implemented individually, in pairs and in small groups. Students work in a variety of contexts, improving their ability to speak in front of an audience and to cope with distractors and situational pressure typical of oral interpreting. An important element of the course is the discussion of the typology of oral interpreting, interpreting strategies and criteria for assessing the quality of interpreting.

Preparation for classes is based on independent reading of selected theoretical texts, which are subsequently analysed and discussed during class meetings. Theoretical considerations are complemented by audiovisual materials illustrating different types of oral interpreting in diverse communicative contexts, including institutional settings such as courtrooms. The course is further enriched by reflection on the use of artificial intelligence–based tools in oral interpreting and a critical analysis of their potential and limitations in professional practice.

Type of course

elective courses

Prerequisites (description)

Students are expected to have active and passive language competence in both Spanish and Polish at an upper-intermediate level in spoken and written communication (B1). They should possess advanced knowledge of the grammar and stylistics of Polish and Spanish, as well as basic knowledge necessary for the professional analysis and interpretation of texts representing different registers and functional styles in both languages. Students are also expected to be aware of the complex nature of language, including the context-dependent variability of meaning, and to be able to identify basic linguistic functions in the process of translation. In addition, passive competence in English enabling comprehension of texts and recordings (B1 level) is required. A very good command of both Polish and Spanish (minimum C1 level) is mandatory.

Course coordinators

Katarzyna Popek-Bernat

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE
The student knows and understands:
• basic terminology used in the description of language occurring in Spanish and Polish audiovisual materials and has elementary knowledge of research methodology in linguistics and translation studies, which is necessary for the professional analysis and interpretation of this type of material (K_W03).
SKILLS
The student is able to:
• interpret with understanding texts representing different registers and functional styles of Spanish and Polish (K_U01),
• participate in discussions on discourse characteristic of various situational contexts and present the results of their reflections in Spanish and Polish (K_U02),
• identify basic linguistic functions in the process of interpreting utterances and materials encountered in the work of an oral interpreter (K_U03),
• search for, analyse, select and use information necessary for work on oral interpreting in the Spanish–Polish language combination, using various sources and methods (K_U04),
• apply in practice knowledge from translation studies enabling oral interpretation of various types of specialist and utilitarian texts (K_U05, K_U06, K_U07).
SOCIAL COMPETENCES
• The student is aware of the level of their knowledge and language skills in Spanish and Polish discourse characteristic of situational contexts requiring oral interpreting, understands the need for continuous education and personal development in the field of interpreting, carries out self-assessment of their interpreting competences and improves their skills as a future interpreter (K_K01).
• The student is able to appropriately identify priorities necessary for the completion of tasks defined by themselves or others in the process of oral interpreting (K_K02).
• The student is aware that the work of an oral interpreter also involves the need to monitor contemporary processes and phenomena occurring in the language and culture of Spain and Latin America (K_K04).

Assessment criteria

Classes are conducted in the form of a problem-based lecture and practical exercises, making use of individual and group work, example analysis and discussion.
Course completion is based on:
• active and regular participation in classes (up to two unexcused absences are permitted),
• continuous completion of practical exercises,
• a final oral assessment conducted during the last class meeting.
The final assessment is practical in nature and consists of oral interpreting of selected fragments of short texts in the Spanish–Polish language combination, using the oral interpreting techniques indicated by the instructor and discussed and systematically practised during the course.

Practical placement

Bibliography

Collados A., Pradas M. M., Stévaux E., García Becerra O. (red.) (2007). La evaluación en interpretación simultánea: parámetros de incidencia. Granada: Editorial Comares.

Daró, V., Fabbro, F. (1994). Verbal memory during simultaneous interpretation: Effects of phonological interference. Applied Linguistics, 15, 337–341.

Florczak, J. (2013). Tłumaczenia symultaniczne i konsekutywne: teoria i praktyka. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck.

García Yebra, V. (1982). Teoría y práctica de la traducción. Madrid: Gredos.

Gillies, A. (2001). Tłumaczenie ustne: poradnik dla studentów. Kraków: Tertium.

Gillies, A. (2007). Sztuka notowania. Poradnik dla tłumaczy konferencyjnych. Kraków: Tertium.

Iglesias Fernández, E. (2007). La didáctica de la interpretación de conferencias: teoría y práctica. Granada: Comares.

Iliescu, C. (2001). Introducción a la interpretación. La modalidad consecutiva. Alicante: Universidad de Alicante.

Rozan, J. (2002). Notatki w tłumaczeniu konsekutywnym. Kraków: Tertium.

Soriano, M. (2007). Challenges 1: Simultaneous interpretation / Desafíos de la interpretación simultánea. Buenos Aires: McDonough.

Torres Díaz, M. G. (1997). La interpretación consecutiva: concepto, enseñanza e implicaciones didácticas. Málaga: Universidad de Málaga.

Tryuk, M. (2006). Przekład ustny środowiskowy. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN.

Tryuk, M. (2007). Przekład ustny konferencyjny. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN.

Zasoby i materiały online:

ORCIT – Online Resources for Conference Interpreter Training: http://orcit.eu/

Speechpool: http://speechpool.net/

Repozytorium wystąpień Komisji Europejskiej: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/sr/search-speeches

Radio Exterior de España: http://www.rtve.es/radio/radio-exterior/

http://interpreters.free.fr/consecnotes/notes.htm

https://tictrad.wordpress.com/2015/05/08/recursos-para-practicar-la-interpretacion/

http://linkterpreting.uvigo.es/

AIIC – International Association of Conference Interpreters: http://aiic.net/

AICE – Asociación de Intérpretes de Conferencia de España: http://www.aice-interpretes.com/

PSTK – Polskie Stowarzyszenie Tłumaczy Konferencyjnych https://pstk.org.pl/

PT TEPIS - Polskie Towarzystwo Tłumaczy Przysięgłych i Specjalistycznych https://tepis.org.pl/

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 3305-TTU-U in USOSweb