Introduction to Public Service (Community) Interpreting

Looking to leverage your bilingual skills to bridge communication gaps and make a difference? Or perhaps explore a career as a professional interpreter? This short course provides essential knowledge about working as a public service interpreter or community interpreter.

What will you gain from this course?

• Ethical & Professional Standards: Understand the crucial ethical principles and professional standards that guide community interpreting.
• Session Preparation: Learn effective strategies to thoroughly prepare for interpreting sessions and ensure smooth communication.
• Best Practices: Discover essential dos and don'ts of public service interpreting to maintain professionalism and accuracy.
• Skill Development: Explore various methods to develop your interpreting skills and build a successful career in community interpreting.
• Diverse Settings: Gain insights into navigating different public service interpreting settings, including the increasingly popular over-the-phone interpreting (OPI).
• Career Advancement: Receive valuable tips for career development within the field of community interpreting.

What is Community Interpreting?

Community interpreting, also known as public service interpreting, encompasses interpreting services provided in various public settings. This includes healthcare (hospitals, doctor's offices), law enforcement (police stations, courtrooms), immigration (refugee centers), housing, welfare, and more.

Why is this course important?

Interpreting in these environments requires a high degree of professionalism due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the information exchanged and the specialized terminology used. This course equips you with the necessary foundation.

Who should take this course?

This course is ideal for:

• Beginner Interpreters: Individuals new to the field of community interpreting.
• Informal Interpreters: Those who currently provide unofficial interpreting services to friends, family, or neighbors assisting them with communication with authorities.

Course Requirements:

• Fluency: Proficiency in at least two languages.
• English Proficiency (Ireland): If planning to work in Ireland, an English proficiency level of B2 or higher (CEFR) is required.
• Technical Setup: A device (computer, headphones, internet access) to participate in the course.