LANG 1013 Introduction to Interpreting

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 100194

Coordinator Margot Seligmann Opens in new window

Description This is a core unit for students in the Bachelor of Arts (Interpreting and Translation) course and an elective foundation unit for language key field of study in the BA. It introduces students to the theory and practice of Interpreting. Lectures are held in English for students of all the languages available. The tutorials are language specific in Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin or Spanish. This unit requires native or near-native proficiency in English and one of the languages offered in the unit.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Translating and Interpreting

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects LGYB 2089 - Interpreting 1 LGYB 2090 - Interpreting 2 LGYB 2851 - Introduction to Interpreting

Assumed Knowledge

Proficiency in English and other language (LOTE) at native or near-native level.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. apply the insights of linguistic theories that relate to the practice of interpreting;
  2. resolve issues of accuracy and equivalence, including register equivalence and the difficulties and controversies surrounding it;
  3. recognise cross-cultural differences that influence and are reflected in the use of language;
  4. explain the different roles of the interpreter according to type of interpreting;
  5. demonstrate proficiency in dialogue interpreting, chuchotage, consecutive interpreting and sight translation, at an introductory level in different settings;
  6. demonstrate effective note-taking skills for dialogue and consecutive interpreting; and
  7. identify significant aspects of the interpreting profession in Australia, NAATI qualifications, and ethics of the profession.

Subject Content

1.General overview of the theories of pragmatics and discourse analysis as they relate to interpreting,
2. The meaning of accuracy of interpretation and equivalence at the different levels of the language hierarchy and according to different types of interpreting,
3. The meaning of register, the importance of maintaining the source language register in interpretation and the implications of not maintaining it,
4. The different roles of the interpreter according to the type of interpreting,
5. Introduction to the techniques of dialogue interpreting, chuchotage, consecutive interpreting and sight translation,
6. Practice of the different interpreting techniques in education, housing and welfare settings,
7. Introduction to and practice of note taking skills for liaison and consecutive interpreting,
8. Familiarisation with available dictionaries, thesauruses, and other useful resources and guidance on how to use them effectively in the preparation of interpreting assignments.
9. The Interpreting profession in Australia and its codes of ethics.

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Practical 5-10 minutes per student per task 40 N Individual
Practical Exam TBA 40 N Individual
End-of-session Exam 1 hour in class 20 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Mikkelson, H., & Jourdenais, R. (Eds.). (2015). The Routledge Handbook of Interpreting. Taylor and Francis.

Teaching Periods

Autumn

Parramatta City - Macquarie St

Day

Subject Contact Margot Seligmann Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Spring

Parramatta City - Macquarie St

Day

Subject Contact Margot Seligmann Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Structures that include subject