Marshall Center’s Partner Language Training Center Europe Hosts Specialized English Interpretation Course
By Christine June
Public Affairs Office
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (August 28, 2017) - Eight English language teachers from four nations attended a new specialized language program called Applied Consecutive Interpretation Techniques (ACIT) earlier this month, designed to help them act as informal interpreters for various groups requiring language support in their nations.
The two-week course integrated theory, principles and concepts with practical application of language skills development to assist participants in developing competency needed for language interpreters.
“Most language teachers are trained in pedagogy, not interpretation techniques,” said PLTCE program manager Roxane Harrison. “Even the most proficient speakers of English are apt to falter in producing ready, complete, and accurate interpretations of extended discussions.”
The course concentrated on the development of skills essential to the task of effective interpreting including memory and comprehension, note taking, vocabulary building, and handling linguistic and ethical challenges assertively. Consecutive interpreting exercises were incorporated throughout the course using video clips of current events and realistic scenarios aimed at analyzing and improving practice through self-assessment, peer feedback, and facilitator-provided diagnostic assessment.
The course was developed by PLTCE in collaboration with Danish Armed Forces trainer Claus Mathiesen, Capt. Benjamin Romer and other language professionals from Finland, Bulgaria, and Kosovo. Mathiesen, has over 30 years of experience as an interpreter and is an interpreter trainer for the Danish Ministry of Defense, and facilitator Jari Nummenpää is a seasoned interpreter with the Finnish Defense Language Center.