How to Teach Interpreting

Finding the meaning.

The process of interpretation can be both subjective and objective. If you are translating one language into another, the meanings are clearly based on the original source. If, however, you are interpreting an author's work (plays, scripture, essays) you are more likely to bring your own perceptions -- and possibly misconceptions -- to the final product. When teaching interpretation, it is important that the student understands the genre, author's perspective and historical basis of the work. In terms of foreign language, a fluent understanding of the language used in the text is primary. Interpretation covers a variety of subjects and methods, each with a particular set of criteria.

Instructions

1. 

   Say exactly what you mean.

   Stress clarity. Interpreting a foreign language or a work of fiction means nothing if the student cannot clearly express the end result. It's important to get right to the point of a subject. This usually starts in the planning stages with a broad idea based on facts from the text, which are then refined to specific statements. Students must back up any interpretation with textual support. If you're dealing with foreign language interpretation, instruct students to avoid adding or omitting words that may seem insignificant. If students are translating written text, require use of up-to-date resources.

2. 

   Communicate the facts.

   Respect the source. Stress to your students that they don't need to repeat obvious information. If they are basing their interpretation on a specific topic, they should use ample evidence from the source and not inject information where there is none. Make sure they research historical issues like social norms and gender roles. For more objective efforts like foreign language interpretation, make sure they pay attention to the subtleties of language like idioms, slang and abbreviations. Simultaneous interpreting (following the speaker in real time) is particulary challenging because some languages have words that change meaning based on the inflection of the speaker's voice, so attentive listening skills are essential.

3. 

   Tell the whole story.

   Avoid censoring information. Students will deal with information they don't necessarily agree with on political, moral and personal levels. It is important to let them know that this does not permit them to impose their personal viewpoints and withhold or alter information. If they do state their disagreement with something, they should be mindful of explaining their point of view in a way that connects to the text or use it to clarify the behavior of one of the characters. Foreign languages can rarely be interpreted verbatim, and paraphrasing can lend itself to bias or unintentional prejudice. Meanings can be changed by misplacing the stress on a word or changing the pauses between phrases, so a good verbal interpreter should almost use mimicry to keep the integrity of the message.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to do extra research on regional dialects when dealing with foreign language interpretation.

• Always verify technical aspects with the speaker before delivering your interpretation

• When interpreting literary work avoid using quotes that don't have to do with making your point.

References

• University of North Carolina: The Writing Center
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Interpreters And Translators
• American Translators Association: Interpreters FAQ