Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting - LAN00117M

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Module summary

This core module will introduce you to the practical skills of consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. Throughout the module, you will learn a series of transferable skills that will empower you to become a critical and reflective interpreter. You will also become familiar with key themes in Interpreting Studies.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

This is an introductory module designed to equip you with the skills necessary to successfully interpret beginner to intermediate content in consecutive and simultaneous mode. Through intensive workshop-style training throughout the semester, you will learn to overcome interpreting challenges (linguistic and otherwise) and apply industry-standard tools, techniques and strategies in your practice. You will learn the crucial soft skills of discourse analysis, selfreflection, critique of peers and giving/receiving feedback, alongside competence with cutting-edge technologies. Underpinning the practice will be key principles in Interpreting Studies, with which you will actively engage.

Module learning outcomes

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• effectively prepare for a consecutive or simultaneous interpreting task,
• apply knowledge and understanding of current affairs and international relations,
• apply industry-standard tools, techniques and - where appropriate - technologies,
• implement recognised analytical and linguistic strategies,
• successfully interpret in consecutive and simultaneous mode,
• relate your practice to key principles in Interpreting Studies.

Module content

Outside the classroom
From week 1, alongside timetabled teaching, you are expected to:

• Immerse yourself in current affairs; read/watch the news in all of your languages, engage with analysis
• Research the topic of the week
• Write your own short speeches in all of your languages
• Schedule regular practice time with your peers

Topics, techniques and skills covered in the classroom:

• Memory exercises
• Active listening
• Speech analysis
• Presentation / public speaking skills
• Summarising and paraphrasing
• Introductino to note taking
• Consecutive and simultaneous interpreting training
• Note-taking
• Equipment training
• Shadowing , chuchotage
• Etiquette, hardware and software
• Glossary building
• Stress managment

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	50
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	50

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	50
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	50

Module feedback

Given the hands-on nature of this course and the focus on intensive practice in workshops and mock conferences, you will receive regular feedback and feed-forward on your performance. You will receive guidance on best practices around self and peer assessment so that you can apply them during self-study time in the interpreting lab and/or at home.

Assessment 1 and 2: you will receive written and verbal feedback from their language-specific tutor.

Assessment 3 and 4: you will receive written and verbal feedback from their language-specific tutor and the course unit convenor.

Indicative reading

Albl-Mikasa, M., & Tiselius, E. (Eds.). (2021). The Routledge handbook of conference interpreting. Routledge.

Baigorri-Jalón, J., Fernández-Sánchez, M. M., & Payàs, G. (2021, November). Historical developments in conference interpreting: An overview. In The Routledge handbook of conference interpreting (pp. 9-18). Routledge.

Chen, S. (2016). Note taking in consecutive interpreting: A review with special focus on Chinese and English literature. The Journal of Specialised Translation, 26(1), 151-171.

Fantinuoli, C. (2018). Interpreting and technology: The upcoming technological turn. Interpreting and technology, 1-12.

Fantinuoli, C. (2019). Interpreting and technology. Language Science Press.

Garzone, G., & Viezzi, M. (Eds.). (2002). Interpreting in the 21st century: Challenges and opportunities.

Gillies, A. (2017). Note-taking for consecutive interpreting: A short course. Taylor & Francis.

Gillies, A. (2019). Consecutive interpreting: A short course. Routledge.

Hale, S., & Napier, J. (2013). Research methods in interpreting: A practical resource. A&C
Black.

Jones, R. (2014). Conference interpreting explained. Routledge.

Nolan, J. (2005). Interpretation: Techniques and exercises. Multilingual Matters.

Pöchhacker, F. (Ed.). (2015). Routledge encyclopedia of interpreting studies. Routledge.

Pöchhacker, F. (2022). Introducing interpreting studies. Routledge.

Pöchhacker, F., & Shlesinger, M. (2002). The interpreting studies reader. Routledge.

Roy, C. B., Brunson, J. L., & Stone, C. A. (2018). The academic foundations of interpreting studies: An introduction to its theories. Gallaudet University Press.

Rozan, JF. (1974). La prise de notes en interprétation consécutive. Librairie de l'Université
Georg.

Taylor-Bouladon, V. (2018). Conference Interpreting. An Encyclopedia of Practical Translation and Interpreting, 443-470.

Zwischenberger, C., & Behr, M. (Eds.). (2015). Interpreting quality: A look around and ahead
(Vol. 19). Frank & Timme GmbH.