Conference Interpreting: A Trainer’s Guide

This companion volume to Conference Interpreting – A Complete Course provides additional recommendations and theoretical and practical discussion for instructors, course designers and administrators. Chapters mirroring the Complete Course offer supplementary exercises, tips on materials selection, classroom practice, feedback and class morale, realistic case studies from professional practice, and a detailed rationale for each stage supported by critical reviews of the literature. Dedicated chapters address the role of theory and research in interpreter training, with outline syllabi for further qualification in interpreting studies at MA or PhD level; the current state of testing and professional certification, with proposals for an overhaul; the institutional and administrative challenges of running a high-quality training course; and designs and opportunities for further and teacher training, closing with a brief speculative look at future prospects for the profession.

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.