Interpreting at the FAK

Types of interpreting

Interpreters are linguistic intermediaries who effect communication between members of differing
cultures and speakers of differing languages. They provide an oral translation of spoken content into
another language. It is their responsibility to communicate oral content with regard for linguistic and
technical correctness and for the cultural idiosyncrasies of the languages involved.

The principal types of interpreting are:

Simultaneous interpreting: The interpreter produces the results in
the target language while still listening to content in the original language. Perhaps they are listening
over a headset to a speech or some other spoken material, reproducing it within seconds in the other
language for listeners who do not understand the original language. The time delay might run to half a
sentence or even a whole one. Effectively, listening, understanding and speaking occur more or less
simultaneously.

Consecutive interpreting: An address or speech of varying length is
given, whereupon the interpreter stands, perhaps at a lecturn, before an audience and interprets the
content for them from the original language into the target language. The interpreter might avail
themselves of a mnemonic in the form of a specially-developed note-taking technique.

Liaison interpreting: A speaker talks for perhaps five minutes, the
interpreter then interpreting the content into the language of the speaker’s interlocutor; the process of
listening and interpreting then repeats itself in the opposite direction, so that the interpreter must
constantly switch back and forth between languages. They are responsibile for keeping the conversation
going between the two speakers, and may only take brief notes of figures and proper names.

Courses for interpreters at the FIM

Translators, who are normally only responsible for the written transfer of texts into other languages,
are also trained to provide general liaison interpreting services, as this function is frequently expected
of professional translators. While liaison interpreting is learned during the course for translators,
it does not constitute part of the State Examination for Translators.

Those translation students wishing to take the State Examination for Interpreters in the three principal
types of interpreting, attend the appropriate preparatory classes at the Institute while completing their
translators’ course. They are trained to accelerate their grasp of the matter at hand and to analyse,
organize and prioritize oral content from negotiations or speeches. They develop the ability to present
the processed information accurately, appropriately and confidently in the target language. Those entering
the interpreting profession must develop a complete mastery of the languages involved and be able to
pick up quickly and efficiently a sufficient understanding of the subject matter to be interpreted.