Licensed Court Interpreter Orientation

The Licensed Court Interpreter Orientation training will comprise of the following:

Module 1: Overview of the Court System and Protocols

This initial module will introduce learners to the U.S. court system as a whole, and will then go into detail about specific areas of law that are likely to require interpreting. That will be followed by a discussion of the inner workings of the courtroom and the role the court interpreter plays, including protocols for addressing the court and resolving issues that arise in the interpreting process.

Module 2: Court Interpreter Ethics, Part I

This module, the first of two parts, will introduce learners to the tenets of the Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary and briefly explain the rationale for each one. The first three tenets will be presented in detail, with examples of situations when they may apply. The module will finish with some questions to stimulate thought.

Module 3: Court Interpreter Ethics, Part II

This module continues the description and explanation of the tenets of the Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary. The remaining tenets will be presented in detail, with examples of situations when they may apply. The module will finish with some questions to stimulate thought.

Module 4: Simultaneous Interpreting

This module introduces learners to the concept and practice of simultaneous interpreting. After describing the situations in which this mode of interpreting is used, it goes on to briefly review key aspects of simultaneous interpreting theory with a view to providing the framework for the strategies and practical exercises that will be presented. The module will conclude with a discussion of reflective practice and recommendations for resources for continuing development of this skill.

Module 5: Consecutive Interpreting

In this module, learners will explore the concept and practice of consecutive interpreting. They will review the situations in which this mode of interpreting is used, and will then be introduced to some key elements of consecutive interpreting theory with a view to providing the framework for the strategies and practical exercises that will be presented. After a brief overview of active listening and note-taking techniques, they will engage in practical activities to implement these techniques. The module will conclude with recommendations for resources for continuing development of this skill.

Module 6: Sight Translation

This final module will provide an introduction to the concept and practice of sight translation as it is used by court interpreters. The kinds of documents that typically require sight translation into and out of English will be reviewed, and a brief description of some key elements of sight translation theory will be presented with a view to providing the framework for the strategies and practical exercises that will follow. After these strategies and exercises are demonstrated, learners will have an opportunity to put them into practice. The module will conclude with recommendations of exercises and resources for practice materials.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. court system, specific areas of law requiring interpreting, and the role and protocols of court interpreters.
2. Understand the tenets of the Model Code of Professional Responsibility for Interpreters in the Judiciary, with detailed examples and ethical considerations.
3. Learn the principles and practice of simultaneous interpreting, including theoretical frameworks and practical strategies for effective performance.
4. Explore the concept and practice of consecutive interpreting, including active listening and note-taking techniques, and engage in practical exercises.
5. Develop skills in sight translation by understanding the relevant theory and practicing with typical court documents.
6. Identify resources and strategies for continuous development in simultaneous interpreting, consecutive interpreting, and sight translation.