Why Generalist Interpreter Training MUST Precede Specialization
with Marjory Bancroft & Denise Socarras-Estrada
This was a lively and interactive workshop which included role plays, skits, a quiz, and dueling PowerPoints which included a snowball fight.
This workshop really focused on the challenges facing spoken language interpreting situation because programs are generally focused on preparing interpreters for specialized situation, rather than creating generalists like ASL-English programs generally are.
The workshop was set up in a very dualistic notion – either you have short specialist programs that are driven by needs in the marketplace or have generalist programs that teach more comprehensive skills needed for interpreting.
The solutions offered were for programs to offer:
- Solid foundations in general interpreting ethics and standards of practice
- Intro to basic sectors of interpreting
- Training in protocols and pragmatics of all sectors
- Intensive/extensive training in fundamental competences & skills: communication, L1-L2, cognitive, personality traits, sociocultural, interpreting (modes), note-taking, documentation, use of new technologies