What makes a conference interpreter?

Many people ask why any speaker of a foreign language can't fill the slot for a conference interpreter. Well, the fact is, a conference interpreter will have undergone a rigourous training programme to obtain teh skills and qualifications needed for simultanious translations. An example course is outlined below:

Translating And Conference Interpreting MSc/Diploma/Certificate

Duration

MSc - 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
PGDip - 9 months full-time; 21 months part-time
The course commences in September each year.

Overview

The course is offered full-time and is designed to provide students with the specialist training required to work as a professional interpreter and/or translator in a variety of professional contexts. Students follow core modules covering:

• Translating

• Conference Interpreting

• Translation and Interpreting Studies

• International Politics and Organisations

• MSc Dissertation.

In addition students choose an optional module in each semester. Students have the possibility to take a new language from scratch or to choose from a range of modules offered , including specialised translating and interpreting options (e.g. Liaison and Public Service Interpreting, Subtitling).

Languages offered are French, German, and Spanish. Students either work in both directions between English and one other language (Strand A), or into English from two languages (Strand B).

Students benefit from excellent facilities for interpreting and translating, including state-of-the-art interpreting and language laboratories, digital resources for interpreting, and a range of Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) software packages.

Entry Requirements

Strand A – native / near-native command of English plus native / near-native command of French, German, or Spanish, and a good degree or equivalent in a relevant language subject;

Strand B – native /near-native command of English plus a good degree or equivalent in two of French, German, and Spanish.

Andreea Bostan, one of the directors is a qualified and experienced conference interpreter with an impressive experience, which includes interpreting for the Romanian President, Mr Traian Basescu recommends to clients who may be unaware of all the different considerations that planning is of the essence. One of her articles can be found here: The Talent Principle as a Start Point