Objectives
The Language Interpreter Training Certificate Program is designed for bilingual individuals who wish to work as spoken language interpreters in the legal, health care, social service and domestic violence prevention sectors in Ontario. Integrating theory, principles and concepts with practical application and skills development, the program aims to assist individuals in developing the introductory level competencies, skills, knowledge and attitudes required for proficient practice as language interpreters. The program will benefit individuals who wish to begin a career in interpreting, as well as those already working as interpreters who wish to upgrade their skills and obtain a college credential. This 180-hour program, consisting of 6 courses, provides an introduction to spoken language interpreting, with skills development practice in the major constituent tasks of interpreting - consecutive interpreting, sight translation and note taking, simultaneous interpreting, and a focus on setting-specific interpreting.
Course description
LANG1200 Introduction to Spoken Language Interpreting
Description: This course presents the fundamentals of providing spoken language interpreting services in various settings. Participants will consider the role and responsiblities of the interpreter and discuss professional standards of practice and ethical principles to guide an interpreter's performance. The course also provides an introduction to various skills required for successful interpreting including note taking, active listening, memory retention, mental transposition and verbalization in the target language.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
LANG1210 Consecutive Interpreting
Description: Following a brief overview of the theoretical framework underlying the process of consecutive interpreting, the course concentrates on the development of skills essential to the task of effective interpreting including: memory and comprehension, note taking, vocabulary building, and handling linguistic and ethical challenges assertively. Consecutive interpreting exercises are incorporated throughout the course with a view to analyzing and improving practice.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LANG1200
LANG1220 Skills Development - Sight Translation
Description: Sight translation, sometimes referred to as sight interpretation, is a hybrid of interpreting and translation. Using documents related to a number of different settings, the course will instruct participants in the fundamentals of sight translation and assist in the development of related skills, such as reading comprehension, scanning for main ideas, fast reading, analysis of language, vocabulary enrichment and comprehension verification through paraphrasing. The course will also equip participants with the tools to manage ethical and performance challenges encountered in sight translation.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LANG1210
LANG1230 Skills Development - Simultaneous Interpreting
Description: Simultaneous interpreting provides an immediate interpretation of speeches and dialogues. Through simulations, role plays and audio/visual exercises participants will develop skills in simultaneous interpreting without the use of electronic equipment. Subsequent to the theory overview, participants will practice: active listening, shadowing, retelling, paraphrasing, note taking, memory exercises and self-evaluation. Based on exposure to exercises and simulations, participants will develop and practice entry-level skills and techniques used in simultaneous interpreting in various settings and contexts.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LANG1210
LANG1240 Setting Specific Interpreting
Description: This course concentrates on the acquisition of knowledge and the enhancement of skills introduced in Course I-IV in preparation for interpreting in different settings. Four interpreting settings are introduced and explored; court interpreting, interpreting with child victims/witnesses; health care interpreting; and interpreting in the violence against women sector. Protocols, procedures and techniques necessary for functioning effectively as an interpreter are reviewed and discussed forming the basis for problem solving exercises. A variety of articles with accompanying activities, and research and field observation assignments provide context and add to the richness of course content. Skill and knowledge development and assessment are supported by role play and case scenario analysis in theoretical situations.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LANG1230
LANG1250 Capstone Course-Skills Integration
Description: The Capstone Course begins with a brief review of the main interpreting competencies covered in the past five courses. Following a recap of the ethical principles and standards of practice, the skills of consecutive interpreting and note taking, sight translation and simultaneous interpreting are practiced in preparation for the course's major component - the integration of interpreter skills and competencies through the "Comprehensive Case Studies" method. The final module deals with professional comportment issues and some of the financial management skills required for the interpreter who works as an independent contractor.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: LANG1240
