Professional Interpreter   

Master the skills and knowledge you need to begin a career as a professional interpreter.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• Headphones or speakers.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Linux may also be used.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Office or LibreOffice (not included in enrollment).
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

This course will enable you to develop the skills necessary to use your knowledge of languages to help other people communicate. You'll start by gaining a clear understanding of what interpreting is; the different interpreting techniques, settings, and delivery modes; and the differences between a career in public services interpreting and other language-related fields. You will also receive a thorough grounding in the principles of ethics and professional conduct as they apply to the interpreting field. In addition, you'll learn how to control the communication flow of an interpreting encounter to ensure that all parties are recognized and heard during the meeting.

With this solid foundation, the course prepares you for the real world by providing you with practical information to help you gain employment confidently as a public services interpreter. You will also have the option to be listed for free in an employer-searchable directory to jump-start your new career. Once you complete the course, you'll be prepared to embark upon an exciting and rewarding career. As a professional interpreter, you'll often work with immigrants in vulnerable situations, becoming their only communication bridge. You can expect to assist families as they apply for food stamps and Medicaid, help residents set up utility services in a new home, and assist refugees as they complete their applications. You'll find your assignments vary from day to day—sometimes even from hour to hour—and opportunities abound!

1. Home (Introduction)
2. Learning Styles Assessment Exercise
3. Module 1: Basic Concepts of Language Interpreting
   1. Basic Concepts: What is language interpreting? What is language translation?
   2. Contrasting the interpretation and translation tasks
   3. Translation and adaptation: Localization and transcreation
   4. What does it take to become a professional interpreter?
   5. Certificate vs. Certification vs. Professional Licensure
   6. Where do interpreters work?
   7. Message delivery: The techniques
   8. Consecutive interpreting video demonstration
   9. Sight translation video demonstration
   10. Review Questions
   11. On-Site interpreting
   12. Remote and Telephonic Interpretation
   13. Telephonic interpreting, continued
   14. Video remote interpreting and video relay interpreting
   15. Sight translation
   16. Vocabulary Game
   17. Review Questions
   18. The Evolution of Interpreting in the Community
   19. The Evolution of Interpreting in the Community: Steps Toward Professional Recognition
   20. The Evolution of Interpreting in the Community: Professional Associations
   21. Public Services Interpreting Drivers
   22. Standards Guiding the Interpreting Profession
   23. Associations: Why are they important?
   24. Module 1 Self-assessment
   25. Resources
   26. Module Feedback
4. Module 2: Interpreting Skills and Techniques
   1. Preparing yourself for this module
   2. Active listening
   3. Active listening: Suspending yourself
   4. Emotions and Culture
   5. Level of Interest and Objectivity
   6. Capacity to Concentrate
   7. Who you are influences greatly the way you listen and communicate
   8. Listening Exercises: Introduction
   9. Shadowing: Introduction
   10. Short-Term Memory Retention: Visual
   11. Short-Term Memory Retention: Auditory
   12. Note-Taking
   13. Sight Translation: Introduction
   14. Putting It All Together: Interpreting
   15. Module Vocabulary Game
   16. Module 2 Self-Assessment
   17. Resources
   18. Module Feedback
5. Module 3: Ethics and standards: Expected professional behavior
   1. What are Professional Standards?
   2. The Interpreter's Professional Profile
   3. Accuracy
   4. Acting Ethically and Honestly
   5. Confidentiality
   6. Competence
   7. Neutrality
   8. Reliability
   9. Respect for the Profession
   10. Role Preservation
   11. Scenarios and Exercises
   12. Resources
   13. Module 3 Self-Assessment
   14. Module Feedback
6. Module 4: The Business of Interpreting
   1. Basic public services interpreting market concepts
   2. The Supply
   3. The Demand
   4. Working as a freelance interpreter
   5. Interview video
   6. Working as a Full-time Interpreter
   7. Interview video
   8. Building a Resume
   9. Formatting a resume
   10. Resume Sample
   11. Writing a Cover Letter
   12. Joining professional associations
   13. Joining online professional directories
   14. Continued Education
   15. Resources
   16. Module Feedback

What you will learn

• Become an effective communicator
• Master listening skills
• Learn how to transfer information in multicultural situations
• Develop interpreting-specific skills such as short-term memory retention, shadowing, note-taking, sight-translation, consecutive interpreting, and more

How you will benefit

• Complete the course and be listed for free in an employer-searchable directory
• Make a difference in the lives of people in need of communication/translation services
• Spend time in rewarding multicultural situations
• Gain the confidence and skills needed to kick off your career as a public services interpreter

Rocío Txabarriaga

Rocío Txabarriaga, MA is vice president of Content Development and co-founder of the Virginia Institute of Interpreting. She is responsible for course planning, development, validation, and maintenance. Ms. Txabarriaga has over 20 years of experience in language services and international business management ranging from independent consulting to senior executive positions, and business ownership. Her extensive experience spans operations, ISO-quality processes, interpreter recruiting and training, qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, as well as in-depth involvement with several language technology platforms. Ms. Txabarriaga has several degrees, including a master's degree from Monterey Institute of International Studies, has earned many certificates, and speaks five languages fluently. Ms. Txabarriaga is also a NASBITE-Certified Global Business Professional and an accomplished writer and public speaker.