92961 - Interpretation From Russian (Language C) Into Italian I

Academic Year 2022/2023

Learning outcomes

The student has acquired basic interpretation techniques, such as sight translation, whispered interpretation, note taking and simultaneous interpreting (basic level), and he/she is able to use them.

Course contents

The course is run in two semesters. The main objective of the course is to provide students with the basic techniques related to conference interpreting.

This module will take on and expand the foundations laid in the Conference Interpreting Theory and Practice module (parts of Consecutive Interpreting Theory and Practice, prof. Amato; and Simultaneous Interpreting Theory and Practice, prof. Mack). Given that the Conference Interpreting Theory and Practice module is concentrated in the first half of the first semester, the Russian>Italian interpreting module will start in the second half of the first semester (two weekly 2-hour classes). It will then cover the whole of the second semester (one weekly 2-hour class).

During the second semester the course will run online on zoom platform in accordance with blended learning project.

During the first weeks, class activities will include information selection, memorisation and public speaking exercises, sight translation, and close tests. The focus of the course will then switch on consecutive interpreting and the note-taking technique. Finally, students will practice simultaneous interpreting (with and without text) in the booth. In general, the interpreting strategies related to the Russian-Italian language combination will be addressed. Real material will be used, such as conference speeches, interviews, debates. During the course, current affairs will be the main subject matter, including, among others: international relations, trade and economic relations, official visits, mass media, environment, social issues. Other topics may be agreed.

The course consists of 2 modules: 

Module A (24 hours)Helena Saturni Hakimi Tabrizi

Module B (24 hours) Helena Saturni Hakimi Tabrizi

Readings/Bibliography

  • Alekseeva, I.S. “Professional'nyj trening perevodčika”, Sankt-Peterburg: Izdatel'stvo “Sojuz”, 2004.
  • Falbo C., Russo M. e Straniero, Sergio F. “Interpretazione simultanea e consecutiva. Problemi teorici e metodologie didattiche”, Milano: Hoepli, 2008.
  • Herbert, J. "Manuel de l'interprète. Comment on devient interprète de conférence", Librairie de l'Université Georg & Cie , Genève, 1952
  • Rozan, J.-F. "La prise de notes en interprétation consécutive. Préface de Robert Confino", Librairie de l'Université Georg & Cie , Genève, 1984
  • Ščekina, I.A., “Ital'janskij jazyk. Ustnyj perevod”, Moskva: “Vysšaja Škola”,1986
  • Straniero Sergio, F. "Interpretazione simultanea dal russo in italiano : fondamenti teorici e applicazioni pratiche", Trieste: Edizioni Goliardiche, 1997.
Other bibliographic references will be provided during the course.

Teaching methods

Preparatory exercises: memorisation, synthesis, speech reformulation, note taking. Students will have the opportunity to act as interpreters in situations close to the reality, as real speeches are used. When dealing with a specific subject matter, its terminological aspects will be analyzed by preparing specific glossaries.

Practical exercise in class, monitored by the teacher and peers; self-training and self-monitoring.

All texts used in class and at the exam are original speeches, audio- or video-recorded

Assessment methods

The aim of the final exam is to assess the student's level in terms of his/her ability to interpret a speech from Russian into Italian, both in consecutive and simultaneous mode.

End-of-course assessment consists in one consecutive (4-5 minutes) and one simultaneous (6-7 minutes) interpreting tests from Russian into Italian, each one accounting for 50% of the final mark of the Interpreting from Russian into Italian I module. Both tests are taken on the same day, and their topic is communicated one week in advance. Exam results are given a few days after the exam.

Marks will be given as follows: (0-17): major inconstistencies, several errors, distortions, additions and/or omissions of key concepts; mistakes in target language grammar/syntax/word choice/pronunciation/ planning mistakes that hinder comprehension. (18-20): recurrent but minor errors, distortions, additions and/or omissions; mistakes in target language grammar/syntax/word choice/pronunciation/planning mistakes that make comprehension difficult. (21-24) few, local imprecisions, generalizations, small additions and/or omissions; the target text can be followed despite a few target language grammar/syntax/word choice/pronunciation/planning mistakes. (25-27): good overall coherence and cohesion, few imprecisions; good command of target language, good use of voice. (28-30): very good coherence and cohesion; very good command of target language, very good use of voice.

For those studying Russian as their B language, the mark of the Interpreting from Russian into Italian I module is then averaged out (at 50%) against the mark for Interpreting from Italian into Russian I, whose tests are structured in the same way as those into Italian, and are taken on the same day.

Teaching tools

Audio/videotaped speeches, authentic conference speeches and documentation.

Office hours

See the website of Helena Saturni Hakimi Tabrizi

SDGs

No poverty Good health and well-being Affordable and clean energy Reduced inequalities

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.