英语口译教程 Lecture One: An Overview Lecturers: YU Hongliang, Xu Zhan, Zhang Yan, Tang Lei

Interpretation Course Course Objectives: Course Objectives: Introduces learners to skills and processes required to produce consecutive interpretations. Introduces learners to skills and processes required to produce consecutive interpretations. Focuses on developing basic cognitive, semantic, and dual tasking abilities required to interpret rehearsed and/or spontaneous texts. Focuses on developing basic cognitive, semantic, and dual tasking abilities required to interpret rehearsed and/or spontaneous texts. Train learners to incorporate semantic choice, register, and ethical behavioral decisions and understand how they impact their interpretations. Train learners to incorporate semantic choice, register, and ethical behavioral decisions and understand how they impact their interpretations. Time allotment: 1 semester (36 periods); two periods per week Time allotment: 1 semester (36 periods); two periods per week

Unit 0 Types of interpreting Types of interpreting A Brief history of conference interpreting as a modern profession A Brief history of conference interpreting as a modern profession What Makes A Good Interpreter? What Makes A Good Interpreter? Professional Code of Conduct Professional Code of Conduct

Types of Interpreting Conference Interpreting: Simultaneous /Consecutive Conference Interpreting: Simultaneous /Consecutive Most frequently used for large conferences or meetings, simultaneous interpreting requires that the linguist “ translate ” what the speaker is saying, as they speak. Thus, the interpreter is both listening and speaking at the same time. This takes intense concentration; simultaneous interpreters often work in teams, taking breaks every 30 minutes or so. Simultaneous interpreting generally requires equipment such as microphones, headsets, and in some instances booths.

Consecutive Interpreting Most appropriate in a smaller setting, the speaker will speak for a few minutes (a few paragraphs), then pause. Most appropriate in a smaller setting, the speaker will speak for a few minutes (a few paragraphs), then pause. The interpreter takes notes and then translates the speaker's message during the pause. The interpreter takes notes and then translates the speaker's message during the pause. The key element in consecutive interpreting is note taking: the interpreter must record ideas and then translate them back into the words of another language without pause. The key element in consecutive interpreting is note taking: the interpreter must record ideas and then translate them back into the words of another language without pause.

Escort Interpreting Escort Interpreting Another form of consecutive interpreting is often called escort interpreting. If you are hosting a delegation of visitors from another country, you may want to use the services of an escort interpreter for meeting clients at the airport, city tours, and shopping excursions. Escort interpreters generally translate informal conversations. Escort interpreters generally translate informal conversations.

A Brief history of conference interpreting as a modern profession The oldest and youngest profession. The oldest and youngest profession.  At the time the course was founded, conference interpreter training was still in its infancy with the first simultaneous interpretation having been used after World War II at the Nuremburg Trials (English, French, Russian and German).  In the interwar years consecutive interpretation alone was provided at International gatherings, such as at meetings of the League of Nations in Geneva where English and French were used.

 The first interpreters were not trained but entered the profession on the strength of their mastery of languages, prodigious memory, and their impressively broad cultural background. Some of the legendary figures of the world of interpreting include Jean HERBERT, André KAMINKER and Prince Constantin ANDRONIKOF, who was personal interpreter to Général de Gaulle and one of the founders of AIIC, which was established in  With the setting up of international and European organizations (United Nations-1945, Council of Europe-1949, European Community-1957) there was a growing need for a much larger number of trained professionals. To meet this continuing challenge, the course has expanded and now encompasses the languages of the European Union including accession countries and the UN family.

Two historical events stimulated the development of the profession. Two historical events stimulated the development of the profession.  The Paris Peace Conference of 1919;  The Nuremberg Trials of Nazi war criminals. The symbols of the formal establishment of conference interpretation as a profession: The symbols of the formal establishment of conference interpretation as a profession:  The first interpreting school was set up in 1950 in Geneva, Switzerland;  AIIC, the International Association of Conference Interpreters, was founded on Nov. 11, 1953 with its Secretariat in Geneva.

Interpreting, as an internationally recognized profession, began to take shape only around the turn of the twentieth century. Interpreting, as an internationally recognized profession, began to take shape only around the turn of the twentieth century. Chronologically, Consecutive Interpreting (CI) antedates Simultaneous Interpreting (SI). The Paris Peace Conference of 1919 was conventionally cited as consecutive interpreting official debut. Chronologically, Consecutive Interpreting (CI) antedates Simultaneous Interpreting (SI). The Paris Peace Conference of 1919 was conventionally cited as consecutive interpreting official debut. Between the two World Wars, consecutive interpreting had predominant status. Between the two World Wars, consecutive interpreting had predominant status.

The first attempt to introduce SI was made shortly before the Second World War. SI was first patented as a technique by IBM in 1926, and its first implementation (in whisper form) was at Geneva in a tentative form in 1927 and, on a larger scale, in the former USSR in 1928 for the Sixth Congress of Comintern. The first attempt to introduce SI was made shortly before the Second World War. SI was first patented as a technique by IBM in 1926, and its first implementation (in whisper form) was at Geneva in a tentative form in 1927 and, on a larger scale, in the former USSR in 1928 for the Sixth Congress of Comintern. However, it was during the Nuremberg trials of the Nazi war criminals, which were conducted in English, French, Russian, and German that real full-scale simultaneous interpretations was first used. From 1947 onward, simultaneous interpretation had come to stay at the United Nations. However, it was during the Nuremberg trials of the Nazi war criminals, which were conducted in English, French, Russian, and German that real full-scale simultaneous interpretations was first used. From 1947 onward, simultaneous interpretation had come to stay at the United Nations.

In the years after the Second World War, with the establishment of the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and many other international organs, there was a growing need for new interpreters to join the ranks of the first generation of highly skilled but untrained conference interpreters. In the years after the Second World War, with the establishment of the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and many other international organs, there was a growing need for new interpreters to join the ranks of the first generation of highly skilled but untrained conference interpreters. Several training institutions were founded in Europe. Since then the training institutions for conference interpreter have sprung all over the world. Several training institutions were founded in Europe. Since then the training institutions for conference interpreter have sprung all over the world.

The earliest establishment of “interpreting officials“ in China goes as far back as the Zhou Dynasty ( BC). The earliest establishment of “interpreting officials“ in China goes as far back as the Zhou Dynasty ( BC). According to written records, there was an official post called “ 寄 ”, “ 象 ”, “ 译 ” and “ 象胥首 ”, “ 重译 ” and “ 舌人 ” respectively in the eastern, western, southern and northern part of China. These interpreting officials had, at that time, dual function: interpreting for internal and external purposes. According to written records, there was an official post called “ 寄 ”, “ 象 ”, “ 译 ” and “ 象胥首 ”, “ 重译 ” and “ 舌人 ” respectively in the eastern, western, southern and northern part of China. These interpreting officials had, at that time, dual function: interpreting for internal and external purposes. The internal purpose referred to the interpreting activities between the central imperial government and the various ethnic nationalities, while the external purpose was for communication between the central imperial government and its neighboring states. The internal purpose referred to the interpreting activities between the central imperial government and the various ethnic nationalities, while the external purpose was for communication between the central imperial government and its neighboring states.

The oral form of translation came into being earlier than the written translation, which appeared in ancient China in the Spring and Autumn period (770 – 476 BC). The oral form of translation came into being earlier than the written translation, which appeared in ancient China in the Spring and Autumn period (770 – 476 BC). However, regarding the training of conference interpreters, China is a relatively newcomer; the People's Republic of China did not start until the late 1970s. However, regarding the training of conference interpreters, China is a relatively newcomer; the People's Republic of China did not start until the late 1970s. The first such programme began in Beijing after China was accepted as working language of the UN. The first such programme began in Beijing after China was accepted as working language of the UN.

The profession of conference interpreting was formally introduced into China with the establishment of the United Nations Training Programme for Interpreters and Translators in The profession of conference interpreting was formally introduced into China with the establishment of the United Nations Training Programme for Interpreters and Translators in Set up as a joint project between the UN and the Chinese government to train professionals for the United Nations, the programme turned out 98 interpreters (out of 217 graduates), many of whom are now working for the UN and other international organisations, some for the Chinese government, and a few as full-time freelances. Set up as a joint project between the UN and the Chinese government to train professionals for the United Nations, the programme turned out 98 interpreters (out of 217 graduates), many of whom are now working for the UN and other international organisations, some for the Chinese government, and a few as full-time freelances.

In 1994, the UN programme was reconstituted as the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation of Beijing Foreign Studies University (“Bei Wai“). In 1994, the UN programme was reconstituted as the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation of Beijing Foreign Studies University (“Bei Wai“). It continues to offer a two-year course of professional training in conference interpreting at the MA level, but its graduates (32 in conference interpreting out of 57 to date) are now responsible for securing their own employment. It continues to offer a two-year course of professional training in conference interpreting at the MA level, but its graduates (32 in conference interpreting out of 57 to date) are now responsible for securing their own employment. Most become staff interpreters or officers in government ministries and agencies, with a minority taking positions in the private sector; it is still rare for a graduate to go freelance. Most become staff interpreters or officers in government ministries and agencies, with a minority taking positions in the private sector; it is still rare for a graduate to go freelance.

To date, the majority of China's professional interpreters have been trained at Bei Wai, but these make up only a fraction of the large number of practitioners, including government officers and corporate personnel who perform interpretation duties. To date, the majority of China's professional interpreters have been trained at Bei Wai, but these make up only a fraction of the large number of practitioners, including government officers and corporate personnel who perform interpretation duties.

Now as we are approaching the 21st century, the globalization of the world economy has become an irreversible trend. Now as we are approaching the 21st century, the globalization of the world economy has become an irreversible trend.  Economic activities such as investment, banking, business and trade are increasing rapidly, the transformation of science and technology and the training of personnel continue apace, and international exchanges in politics, foreign affairs and culture are flourishing. All of these would be impossible without the involvement of interpreters and translators.  Furthermore, with the implementation of economic reform and its opening up policy, China' s demand for qualified interpreters and translators has become all the more urgent.

Practice Texts Reading: The Art of Interpreting Reading: The Art of Interpreting Berris makes a distinction between translation and interpreting, and she looks at a host of potential problems that can impede intercultural communication. Among the more serious issues is the problem of not having enough interpreters for long sessions. She also discusses the importance of proper preparation, the differences between precise translations and simple paraphrasing, and nonverbal communication and its role in interpretive events. Listening: At the Shoulder of History Listening: At the Shoulder of History An interview of the BBC correspondent with world famous interpreters. Listen to the recording 2- 3 times and you will gain a better understanding of the profession.

The Art of Interpreting Interpreting, is a physically exhausting and often emotionally draining art. But those who work with interpreters can do a great deal to help maximize the interpreter’s effectiveness and minimize his or her weaknesses. —— JAN CAROL BERRIS former Vice President of —— JAN CAROL BERRIS former Vice President of the National Commission on U.S. – China Relations the National Commission on U.S. – China Relations

Jan Carol Berris Jan Carol Berris has been with the National Committee on United States-China Relations since first as program associate, then program director, then vice president. She is responsible for directing all program activities of the Committee. Ms. Berris has been actively involved in preparation and operations for the visits to the United States of hundreds of Chinese delegations, including the 1972 Chinese Ping Pong Team, the first PRC group to come to this country. At the request of the State Department she coordinated Chinese press activities during Premier Deng Xiaoping's February 1979 visit to the United States. And she has overseen the visits of hundreds of American delegations to China. She herself has traveled to China about seventy times since 1973, with people and groups as diverse as a tennis team and a Supreme Court Justice.

I. What Makes A Good Interpreter? Bilingualism and biculturalism Bilingualism and biculturalism  A good command of both languages and alertness to their constant evolution is the foundation of effective interpreting.  A good interpreter is more than a translator of words, since language skills are only a part of the process of communication. Biculturalism sensitivity to cultural and social differences is often as important as bilingualism.  Another important aspect of biculturalism is knowing what makes people laugh in the other culture.  Political sensitivity is also an essential aspect of biculturalism.

 Bilingualism and biculturalism can be learned though often only by a process of osmosis during long years of study and/or living in another country. But there are other, more innate characteristics that contribute to the making of a good interpreter. A special kind of personality, or a somewhat schizophrenic one. A special kind of personality, or a somewhat schizophrenic one.  and aggressive enough to be relaxed  of submerging their own egos and take on the personalities of the speakers

 Projection  Being able to do two (or more) things at one time is important.  Listen;  Jot down key words to jog their memories;  Look up unknown words in a small dictionary (which usually appears magically out of a pocket);  Juggling notebook and dictionary, write down the unfamiliar word so if it is repeated later the dictionary will not have to be hauled out again.

 And speaking of writing things down, interpreters should always carry notebooks and use them.  Obviously interpreters should be matched to specific jobs

II. THE INTERPRETING SITUATION Preparation Preparation Pacing Pacing Precision Versus Paraphrase Precision Versus Paraphrase  The interpreter should always be given a sense of how precise a translation is expected.  Another aspect of this issue is when to translate and when to leave people alone.  Sometimes we encounter interpreters who feel the need for great precision and will take several seconds (which always seem like eons to listeners) to think of the word or phrase carrying the precise nuance of the situation.  Another kind of interpreter is the paraphraser or editor who tends to give the gist of what the speaker is saying, ignoring the details.

Supplying Background Information Supplying Background Information Sometimes, trying to be helpful and fill in gaps in the audience's understanding, interpreters will add background information not supplied by the speaker.

Length of Speech Units Length of Speech Units Invisibility of Interpreters Invisibility of Interpreters Interpreters should confine themselves to facilitating communication, and not (except in unusual situations) add their own personal comments.

Direction of Translation Direction of Translation Numbers Numbers Translating Substance Translating Substance Questions Questions Nonverbal Communication Nonverbal Communication Helping with Problems Helping with Problems

Qualifications of a good interpreter Knowledge of the general subject of the speeches that are to be interpreted. Knowledge of the general subject of the speeches that are to be interpreted. General erudition and intimate familiarity with both cultures. General erudition and intimate familiarity with both cultures. Extensive vocabulary in both languages. Extensive vocabulary in both languages. Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely in both languages. Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely in both languages. Excellent note-taking technique for consecutive interpreting. Excellent note-taking technique for consecutive interpreting. At least 2-3 years of booth experience for simultaneous interpreting. At least 2-3 years of booth experience for simultaneous interpreting.

Listening An interview of the BBC correspondent with world famous interpreters. Listen to the following recording 2- 3 times and you will gain a better understanding of the profession. An interview of the BBC correspondent with world famous interpreters. Listen to the following recording 2- 3 times and you will gain a better understanding of the profession.Listen

Professional Code of Conduct Serve the interest of their organization; Serve the interest of their organization; Scrupulously observe the secrecy to which they are already bound to their professional code; Scrupulously observe the secrecy to which they are already bound to their professional code; Maintain the professional standards of their work by keeping abreast of organization activities, of subjects under discussion and of relevant terminology; Maintain the professional standards of their work by keeping abreast of organization activities, of subjects under discussion and of relevant terminology; Prepare for meetings with the help of duly supplied documents and by obtaining additional papers for meetings of exceptional technical or linguistic difficulty; Prepare for meetings with the help of duly supplied documents and by obtaining additional papers for meetings of exceptional technical or linguistic difficulty; Liaise with free-lance interpreters, when called upon to do so; Liaise with free-lance interpreters, when called upon to do so; Act as interpreters outside the organization only with the latter's consent and in compliance with the local working conditions of free-lance interpreters who are AIIC members. Act as interpreters outside the organization only with the latter's consent and in compliance with the local working conditions of free-lance interpreters who are AIIC members.