Introduction to Interpreting Fundamentals

This is a tailor-made course for recipients of the Multicultural NSW scholarship program, designed and delivered by the UNSW Interpreting and Translation Group.

In this course, you will be introduced to the fundamental theories that underpin the practice of interpreting, including the ethics of the profession and information about the industry.

English language enhancement practice and practical interpreting skills development complement the theoretical components of the course.

The course will be delivered in English and caters to all language combinations.

What will I learn?

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories that underpin interpreting practice;
2. Evaluate the ethical concepts relating to interpreting practice and;
3. Apply the theories to the development of interpreting skills.

Learners will gain a better understanding of the professional context in which they are likely to experience the practical application, of the knowledge and skills needed for future professional careers.

How will I learn?

A fully online course comprising: 30 hrs of synchronous lectures and tutorials and 45 hrs of extra self-directed activities, readings, and assessment tasks.

Students will be required to do weekly homework and assignments, including readings, self-directed activities and online lecture/tutorial attendance. An attendance rate of at least 80% at these sessions is required to pass this course.

Lectures will be shared across all languages and will directly link to a host of online materials and tasks which will support you in the development of your interpreting skills, relative to your unique language proficiency.

This is reinforced by tutorials in which you will practice your bilingual skills in both language directions and take part in peer- and self-assessment with expert feedback provided by your tutors who are NAATI-certified interpreters and translators in your language pair.

Who should take this course?

This is a tailor-made course for recipients of the Multicultural NSW scholarship program, designed and delivered by the UNSW Interpreting and Translation Group in the School of Humanities and Languages.

This course is tailored for beginners with an interest in interpreting, as well as current students and anyone seeking an introductory experience. 

Who is leading this course?

Professor Sandra Hale graduated with the first PhD in forensic linguistics/court interpreting in Australia in 2001. Since then, her research has covered different aspects of legal interpreting, including issues of quality, accuracy, codes of ethics, role expectations, the impact of interpreters on legal proceedings, the perceptions of interpreters held by service providers and non-English speakers and the impact of working conditions on interpreter performance.

Multicultural NSW

The School of Humanities & Languages' Interpreting and Translation Research Group has been partnering with Multicultural NSW since 2021 to deliver short course training for future interpreters and translators. This ensures scholarship recipients can receive the best start to their career in translation or interpreting.

Credentials

This course (equivalent to 3UOC) can be stacked with Introduction to Translation Fundamentals (SC0022; 3UOC) to give a learner 6UOC RPL, equivalent to the completion of Introduction to Interpreting and Translation (SC0002; 6UOC).

Successful completion of both SC0017 and SC0022 or successful completion of just SC0002 will provide 6UOC RPL towards any of the Graduate Certificates in Interpreting and Translation elective courses.