Conference Interpreting: A Complete Course

The conference interpreting skillset – full consecutive and simultaneous interpreting – has long been in demand well beyond the multilateral intergovernmental organizations, notably in bilateral diplomacy, business, international tribunals and the media. This comprehensive coursebook sets out an updated step-by-step programme of training, designed to meet the increasingly challenging conditions of the 21st century, and adaptable by instructors with the appropriate specializations to cover all these different applications in contemporary practice.
After an overview of the diverse world of interpreting and the prerequisites for this demanding course of training, successive chapters take students and teachers through initiation and the progressive acquisition of the techniques, knowledge and professionalism that make up this full skillset. For each stage in the training, detailed, carefully sequenced exercises and guidance on the cognitive challenges are provided, in a spirit of transparency between students and teachers on their respective roles in the learning process. For instructors, course designers and administrators, more detailed and extensive tips on pedagogy, curriculum design and management will be found in the companion Trainer’s Guide.

About the Authors

Robin Setton has worked as a conference interpreter since 1979 (AIIC member
since 1983), both freelance and on the staff of an international organization. He
has been an interpreter trainer and course leader in both Europe and Asia, and
has published articles and books on cognitive, linguistic and cultural aspects of
interpreting, including a monograph (Simultaneous Interpretation: A cognitivepragmatic
analysis, Benjamins, 1999). He holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics
and separate postgraduate degrees in Conference Interpretation, Translation and
Chinese Studies, and is currently based in France.

Andrew C. Dawrant 杜蕴德 is a conference interpreter, diplomatic interpreter and
consultant. A member of AIIC since 1999, he has interpreted for G20 and bilateral
summits. He has fifteen years of experience training professional conference interpreters
in China, including eight years as head of programme. He holds an MA
in Translation Studies and Prof Dip (Hons) in Conference Interpreting. He lives
in Shanghai with his wife and four children.