Challenges in Conference Interpreting Training: How to Bridge the Gap Between Academia and Professional Practice?

Fanny Chouc*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

In an increasingly globalised world, conference interpreting is more crucial than ever to facilitate international cooperation. The need for qualified, competent conference interpreters is there, and with it the need for adequate training programmes. However, to remain relevant, these interpreting programmes must adapt to equip future professional interpreters with the right and full set of skills needed in a constantly evolving world. Building on the existing body of research in interpreting studies by authors such as Gile (1995, 2015), Seleskovitch and Lederer (1989) and Bordes (2014), who focused on the pedagogical strategies to foster full mastery and understanding of the art of interpreting, this study looks at establishing a broader skills framework for interpreting training. To that effect, a quantitative survey was used, targeting practising professional interpreters. It invited participants to reflect on their transition to the professional booth and on challenges and new developments they observe in their practice, with a view to identify elements which could enrich curriculums in this field, be they technical skills, ancillary soft skills or ethical strategies. Unsurprisingly, following the pandemic, new practices such as ORSI (online remote simultaneous interpreting) were identified as key; however, further findings also point to the need for a more comprehensive training featuring entrepreneurial skills and business skills for freelancers, as well as the importance of ethics in curriculums. The study also raises questions as to the type of formative experiences that may foster such critical skills for professionals.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTeaching Interpreting and Live Subtitling
Subtitle of host publicationContexts, Modes and Technologies
PublisherRoutledge
Pages9-25
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9781003440994
ISBN (Print)9781032577883
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Dec 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Arts and Humanities
  • General Social Sciences

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