The aim of the course is to introduce students to the theory and practice of interpreting. More specifically, the course provides a theoretical overview of the fundamental principles of interpreting, interdisciplinary approaches to the field, and the various modes of interpreting and their respective requirements.

In addition, students develop the basic skills required for consecutive interpreting and learn to apply them in practice. Particular emphasis is placed on memory training, the introduction to note-taking techniques, public speaking skills, the effective use of information resources, text analysis, terminology management and glossary compilation.

Teaching is based on original materials and authentic speeches addressing current affairs and contemporary issues. Students are expected to prepare for these topics in advance on a weekly basis.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools is not permitted during class. However, students are encouraged to use these tools judiciously during their independent study.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify and distinguish between the main modes and types of interpreting.

• Research and retrieve information on current political, economic, geopolitical, cultural and other relevant issues.

• Analyse, synthesise and reformulate texts and information.

• Understand and apply the fundamental techniques and skills of consecutive interpreting.

• Develop confidence in public speaking and deliver presentations effectively before an audience.

• Conduct research and prepare effectively for interpreting assignments.

General Competences

• Understanding of the fundamental theoretical principles of Translation and Interpreting Studies.

• Awareness of current political, economic, geopolitical, cultural and other relevant issues.

• Retrieval, analysis and synthesis of texts and information.

• Development of interpreting skills through simulations of professional interpreting settings.

• Summarisation and oral reformulation of texts from English into Greek.

• Note-taking skills for consecutive interpreting.

• Public speaking and presentation skills.

• Research skills and effective use of electronic resources and databases.

• Teamwork and collaboration.

• Decision-making based on linguistic, cultural and situational factors.

• Critical self-reflection and self-assessment.

• Development of independent, creative and inductive thinking.

• Professional conduct and ethical responsibility.

• Respect for diversity and multiculturalism.

• Social awareness and sensitivity to issues relating to minorities and gender.

Course Schedule

Week 1: Introduction to the different modes and types of interpreting. Introduction to public speaking and  to note-taking techniques for consecutive interpreting.

Week 2: The professional interpreter's profile and competences. Listening comprehension and analysis exercises based on general-interest texts with note-taking. Sight-translation exercises.

Week 3: Exercises with note-taking focusing on memory, comprehension, information processing and reformulation. Sight-translation exercises.

Week 4: Further exercises in memory, comprehension, information processing and reformulation. Preparation and delivery of speeches before an audience. Sight-translation exercises.

Week 5: Further memory training exercises. Preparation strategies and techniques employed by professional interpreters prior to interpreting assignments.

Week 6: Memory training exercises with note-taking.

Week 7: Note-taking practice using general-interest texts.

Week 8: Further note-taking practice using general-interest texts.

Week 9: Note-taking practice using specialised texts addressing current political, cultural and other relevant issues.

Week 10: Further note-taking practice using specialised texts addressing current political, cultural and other relevant issues.

Week 11: Further note-taking practice using specialised texts addressing current political, cultural and other relevant issues.

Week 12: Further note-taking practice using specialised texts addressing current political, cultural and other relevant issues.

Week 13: Mock conference simulating a professional interpreting setting.

• Ιωαννίδης, Α. (2022). Θεωρία και πράξη της διερμηνείας [Προπτυχιακό εγχειρίδιο]. Κάλλιπος, Ανοικτές Ακαδημαϊκές Εκδόσεις 
• Gillies, A. (2017). Note-taking for consecutive interpreting: A short course. Routledge.
• Gillies, A. (2019). Consecutive interpreting: A short course. Routledge.
• Kalina, S. (1998), Strategische Prozesse beim Dolmetschen, Tübingen:G. Narr.
• Matyssek, H. (1989), Handbuch der Notizentechnik für Dolmetscher, Heidelberg: J. Groos.
• Pöchhacker, F. (2016). Introducing interpreting studies. 2nd ed. London: Routledge.
• Pöchhacker, F. (2000). Dolmetschen. Konzeptuelle Grundlagen und deskriptive Untersuchungen. Tübingen: Stauffenburg
• Roderick, J. (2002). Conference Interpreting Explained. Manchester: St. Jerome Publishing
• Rozan, J.-F. (2002). Note-Taking in Consecutive Interpreting. Krakow: tertium
• Vlachopoulos, St. (2016). Community interpreting in Greece. Building the future. International Journal of Language, Translation and Intercultural Communication. Διαθέσιμο στο https://zenodo.org/record/161349#.WCnev3f5yCQ

Students are asked to interpret a 6-7 minute speech.