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Interpreting Division
InterpNet | News/Reports | Events | Management Committee
Welcome to the Interpreting Division
The Interpreting Division currently has some 1715 members. Our members work in all sorts of sectors from conference interpreting through public service interpreting, using liaison, simultaneous and consecutive interpreting methods. Some are well-known in their field, others engage in more than one kind of language work, some of our members are fairly recently qualified and other student members are still completing their studies.
The purpose of the Interpreting Division is to help its membership to attain greater proficiency in the art of interpreting and to advise the Council of the Chartered Institute on matters of national and international concern to interpreters. In order to fulfil this purpose, the Division acts through its elected Management Committee of unremunerated volunteers to provide activities and services for its members. The Committee encourages active participation and suggestions from every level of membership.
We look forward to your active participation in the Interpreting Division and trust that you will benefit from your involvement in it!
Activities
The Management Committee usually stages four events on Saturdays throughout the year. These include talks by leading interpreters or work providers, workshops on various interpreting-related topics, which members may bring to the notice of the Management Committee or which the Committee itself feels are important to address. We try to balance the topics across the broad spectrum of interpreting sectors and generally divide each event into two or three sessions around a networking buffet lunch. These lunchtime sessions have proven to be very popular, both in terms of exchange of ideas but also in terms of networking with colleagues. Activities are sometimes arranged in conjunction with other bodies, and their members are also invited to attend. Essentially, the activities organised by the Interpreting Division are designed to help members to help themselves in the continuous task of perfecting their skills, keeping up to date with techniques and technology and sharing knowledge and facilities with colleagues.
The Annual General Meeting of the Division is usually held in London in June. This includes a lecture, a business meeting on the affairs of the Division, and the chance for members to get to know one another over lunch and to elect the Management Committee for the following year.
All activities organised by the Division are advertised under the divisional pages in ‘The Linguist’, which is published six times a year and one of the Institute’s main communication channels. The journal is posted to you free of charge as a member and will soon be available online. You will also, from time to time, receive information on our events direct to your desktop from the CIOL database and can find further information about our forthcoming events, reports on past events and any other Interpreting Division news on the Interpreting Division webpage of the CIOL website at:
Services
A number of services are available to Division members. Two key services you may find helpful are:
InterpNet
InterpNet, as the name implies, is a network of interpreters, working in a variety of languages and offering different types of interpreting. InterpNet members are willing to support and cooperate with other members on the list (all members of professional associations), in terms of work and linguistic assistance.
Members of professional associations (IoL, AIIC, ITI, ATA, etc.) wishing to join InterpNet are invited to register with our closed moderated e-group (information below). Any InterpNet member is able to seek collaboration with others on the list (for support or terminology backup, for example). Network members are also encouraged to organise activities, such as interpreting practice sessions for particular language groups, lectures, workshops or seminars, perhaps together with local education or other institutions, after consulting with the network coordinator. Provided the Interpreting Division Management Committee is satisfied that such events are organised in a manner that meets the published criteria, financial help may be given.
The concept behind InterpNet is to facilitate self-help through cooperation. Its objective is NOT to procure additional work for its members, although cooperation may sometimes lead to this, but to facilitate closer working relationships between people operating in similar fields. It is the pro-active approach, which is most likely to lead to the benefits envisaged in the InterpNet concept. The more information InterpNet members have about each other, the easier the cooperation becomes.
InterpNet will operate as a moderated e-group. Instead of e-mailing individual group members, participants send e-mails to the InterpNet e-group address and these are then automatically forwarded to all members of the group. Each person can choose whether to receive regular individual e-mails, daily digests or read postings online. To subscribe, please visit www.yahoogroups.com to register as a new Yahoogroup user or, if you already have a Yahoo ID, go straight to:
Shortly after you send your subscription request you will receive an application form which will ask you to provide some more information. This information is required in order to validate your membership and to complete the InterpNet register. The rules for InterpNet are those defined by the Interpreting Division Management Committee, as well as the general rules and guidelines for Yahoo Groups. These can be found under the ‘Files’ section of the InterpNet website.
Once your subscription is confirmed you will be able to exchange e-mails with all other network members.
If you have further queries about InterpNet, please contact:
Gabriele Bocanete or Trevor Adcock
The Interpreter’s Pack
This pack includes guidelines on negotiating interpreting assignments with clients, guidelines for clients on selecting an interpreter, a scale of fees typically charged by interpreters and outline Terms of Business for interpreters, including a sample job agreement/contract.
News/Reports
Interpreting for the Media, held at the Novotel, London City South on 12 November 2011
The Interpreting Division CPD event, ”Interpreting for the Media”, held in London on the 12th November last was attended by some 70 people, many of them very welcome first time visitors to an ID event.
Our first speaker, Alexander Nowak, a graduate of the University of Krakow in Poland and the London School of Economics in London, spoke about his freelance interpreting work in various different media environments, including work for the BBC, CNN, Al-Jazeera, the International Court of Arbitration, Polish and UK ministers and government officials and a variety of commercial organisations.
He looked in particular at how to manage the demands of the short-notice live media experience and what are sometimes excessive responsibilities placed upon the interpreter. Whilst interpreters in the live media sector do need to be extremely flexible and not prone to panic, there is a point at which ‘managing’ an actually impossible situation needs to be discussed objectively and urgently with the client, however pressurised the situation may be. They do not always fully understand the interpreting process and think that one person can cope in an emergency situation with very long periods of interpreting, on their own and without a break (all day, via a very unreliable TV link in the example Alexander gave). Interpreters have to be ever mindful in the live media situation that burdens of this sort will almost certainly lead to a drop in quality and those listening will not have any insight into the impossible conditions the interpreter may be facing. Finding a balance between offering the flexibility such assignments require and maintaining high quality interpreting is an additional skill that interpreters in this particular environment need to develop early on.
Our second speaker, Tomoko Komura, gave the audience a highly amusing but very well researched, in-depth insight into how, as a developing interpreter, she had broken into the media interpreting sector, and the differences she had found between that and other interpreting settings. Her academic background includes a BA in Theatre (University of Colorado), an MFA in Theatre (London International School of Performing Arts) and an MA in Interpreting (London Metropolitan University, London), and all these have stood her in very good stead in her first year of building a media interpreting portfolio.
She outlined various interpreting work she had undertaken and gave a very honest overview of her reflections of both the positive and negative aspects of each assignment, which she felt was an important learning tool. Her clients had included the BBC World Service ‘Outlook’ programme, BBC Master Chef, “47 Ronin” (Universal Pictures’ new film), Hyper Japan” (UK’s biggest Japanese culture event) and recent work with the new Arsenal FC signing, Ryo Miyaichi. In summing up, she felt that skills from her performing arts background had been extremely useful in being able to provide the high level of flexibility required in the work she had undertaken. She also felt that ‘TV co-hosting and interpreting’ and interpreting in sport were areas she would like to develop.
Our post-lunch session entitled “The Media Interpreter Professional Environment – skills and consideration” was ‘hosted’ by Kristin Kelber, Jessica Strenk and Sonia Harder, who outlined and discussed the research they and co-researcher, Leon Grasmann, had recently undertaken as part of their postgraduate degree in interpreting at London Metropolitan University. Their research looked at what constitutes media interpreting, various settings and contexts (using the very popular German TV programme, ‘Wetten, dass…? as an example) ”, the mode of interpreting and the questions interpreters should ask themselves, when considering such assignments: can I do it, is the job worthwhile, what are the client expectations? They addressed the issues relating to pre-assignment briefing and research, working alone and/or from a monitor, and the duration of the assignment. They also considered what is involved in relation to putting theory into practice, crisis and stress management, maintaining high quality, ethics and professional standards, working conditions and remuneration. They concluded that it was a varied and fun type of interpreting, BUT a demanding professional environment. Professional standards and codes are useful but common sense on the job is essential.
As readers might well be able to imagine, audience discussion with speakers with such different experiences, was pro-active and lively, as was the debate over lunch in the Novotel restaurant.
ID AGM Report, 4th June 2011
The ID AGM was held on the 4th June at our regular venue, the Novotel London City South and was attended by a very dynamic and motivated group of members, including students from as far away as the University of Athens and Saloniki.
Our first session was an introduction to Alexandra Jones, MA Hons [Oxon], MPA [Harvard], MA [London], MCIL, who joined the Institute as our new CEO in January of this year and came to share a brief outline of her first six months in post and her hopes and aspirations for the CIOL as it moves forward into this second decade of the 21st Century.
There had been much to do with completion of the restructuring of the Institute, including the separation of NRPSI Limited from the CIOL, with a view to its re-launch as an independent regulatory body in April. Ms Jones and members of Council had also overseen the bringing to a close of various legal matters the Institute had faced over the last few years and implemented a thorough review of its finances. Another major initiative already underway was the development of new CIOL strategic and operational plans, which it is hoped will be in place later in the year. She had been keen to involve all stakeholders in the process and to this end members had been invited through The Linguist to send in any proposals they might have. Members of the senior management team and Council were intending to hold meetings through the summer with various invited membership groups around the country to gain their input into the process. The public profile of the Institute and the professional standing of its linguists were very much at the forefront, as was ensuring the professional standards it upholds.
Our next speaker was Dr Laïla Ibnlfassi , L.ès-L (Rabat, Morocco), MA (Essex), PhD (London), who came to talk about Interculturality. As part of her work as Course Leader of French Studies and Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies at London Metropolitan University, Dr. Ibnlfassi leads a core module on interculturality for students on the LMU’s BA in Applied Translation.
As our AGM keynote speaker,Dr Ibnlfassi shared a fascinating and challenging insight into how greater cultural awareness can improve the standard of interpreting that members can deliver. She covered many facets, including the cultural and philosophical aspects of interpreting, the effect of accents, dress-code, time-keeping, cultural differences and relationships between individuals and different societies. She also addressed aspects of Roman Jackobson’s Communication Code[i], the Iceberg Theory of Culture [ii] and Hofstede’s Cultural Patterns[iii]. She concluded the session with small breakout groups, which were asked to consider various scenarios and how cultural differences and associated misunderstandings affect the way those involved are perceived, act and perform. Both sessions attracted many questions and much discussion, which continued over a buffet lunch and into and after the afternoon’s formal AGM session.
[i] For further info: "Linguistics and Poetics" in T.Sebeok (ed.), Style in Language (MA: MIT Press, 1960)
[ii] For further info: Beyond Culture (1976) by Edward T. Hall
[iii] For further info: Geert Hofstede, "Cultures and Organizations: software of the mind" in Administrative Science Quarterly (USA: Cornell University, 1993)
Chairman’s Report
Annual General Meeting, 4 June 2011
As is usual in planning our annual CPD events, the programme for 20010/11 came about as a direct result of suggestions from ID members and requests received from participants in our workshops and seminars.
The first event of the 2010/11 CPD programme, entitled “Developments in Remote Legal Interpreting” took place on the 9th October and attracted more than 80 delegates. The first topic for the day was “Developments in Remote Videoconference Interpreting in the CJS”, with Dr Sabine Braun, Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies, Centre for Translation Studies, University of Surrey, who outlined her research entitled: “Assessing videoconference interpreting in the Criminal Justice System”. This was an EU co-funded project with the main focus being on the quality of interpreting output using this relatively new technology.
Our second speaker was Amanda Clement, Head of Language Policy & Co-ordination, Metropolitan Police Service, Language & Cultural Services, who presented on the progress towards their current video-conferencing (VC) pilot, which has drawn upon Dr. Braun’s research in the move by the Metropolitan Police Service Language Programme towards providing interpreting via videoconference links.
During the final Plenary Q&A session, Dr. Braun and Ms Clement were joined by Mrs. Ulrike Dehmel, a practising conference and public service interpreter. The debate was very lively, busy and generally objective, with the main overriding concerns being logistical (not being able to see the whole of what is going on in the court room), additional training required in using the new technology (and the cost of it), new structures and protocols, which will be required when working in this new environment - so much to mull over on the way home.
Our second event of the programme was our regular New Year Reception, which on the 28 January 2011 came with a ‘Taste of Poland’. This event always offers a very good opportunity to network and exchange ideas with colleagues. Members of both divisional management committees were on hand and happy to answer questions about the Institute or other language related matters during the evening.
It is always very good to welcome back our regular attendees, in particular our RAF Club Sponsor, George du Pré, as well as to meet those new to the Institute – quite often attending their very first event:
“I just wanted to say a big thank you to all those involved in the organisation of last night's event. This was the first IOL/ID event I've attended and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was great to meet some new people, put some faces to names and sample some very tasty Polish food!”
“Very many thanks to all who organised this event, which went so well with its Polish feast and plenty of wine! A splendid opportunity to meet fellow linguists in relaxed surroundings - hope to see you again next year.”
In addition, this year, Maria-Teresa Grau, events coordinator for ID, also circulated during the evening with a very informal straw poll asking what sort of events our members would like to see included on future divisional CPD event programmes. The feedback from this will be taken into account when the divisions undertake its future CPD programme planning.
Our third event, held on the 16th April and entitled, “Trying to break into the conference interpreting market? Come and find out what agencies are looking for”, attracted some 70 delegates and is obviously a hot topic. The ID committee had felt it was time to look again at what qualities clients are looking for in interpreters, rather than at what interpreters expect from them. To this end, we were joined for the day by representatives of two leading and well-respected global players in the conference interpreting sector, namely Andrew Mcanerney from the Ubiqus Group and Izabela Ignatowicz and David Kaiser from thebigword. It was clear from both sets of presentations that in addition to appropriate interpreting qualifications and experience, it is feedback from clients, recommendations from fellow interpreters (especially when working in the booth), flexibility on the job and a positive and professional approach at all times on site, (regardless of what is thrown at us), that will lead to repeat business from these agencies. A more detailed report and tips from the final Q&A session are included in our event report, which appears in edition 50,3 of TL about to arrive on members’ doorsteps, and can also be found on the ID page of the CIOL website and under the files section of InterpNet.
Our email list, created in consultation with members, continues to be a very successful tool in notifying members about our events. A direct link to the ID events section of the CIOL website is now included in circulations, so that members can see the event flier and download application forms. We do, of course, still advertise in The Linguist and students at training establishments are also routinely informed about our events through the email list and their tutors. In this respect, we were saddened and shocked to note the recent closure of the Conference Interpreting course at the University of Westminster – considered by many to be a gold standard in the UK, as it was one of the European Masters in Conference Interpreting (EMCI) accredited courses.
InterpNet, our moderated e-group interpreter’s networkis growing – some 180 members and new members pending. There is a healthy flow of messages, much supported by input from our InterpNet coordinators, Gabriela Bocanete and Trevor Adcock.
InterpNet, as the name implies, is a network of interpreters working in a variety of languages and offering different types of interpreting. InterpNet members are willing to support and cooperate with other members on the list (all members of professional associations), in terms of work and linguistic assistance. For those not familiar with its concept, it is a forum for mutual support, exchange of interpreting-related ideas, the posting of questions about anything from IT, to how to draw up a contract, negotiate with a customer, or even where to find a CPD event or course - and the AGM and its seminar definitely qualify as one such event.
CIOL Consultation matters
From time to time the Institute’s divisional management committees are asked to consult on various matters and this last year was no exception. Whilst not directly asked to be part of the NRPSI Review Sub-Committee, (appointed by Council), ID did send in opinion, whenever it felt appropriate. It was represented at both NRPSI Review forums, which reported on the work and outcomes of the review committee.
It was also directly involved in providing feedback to the Chair of Council during the formulation of the CIOL response to the recent, rather belated, MoJ Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The committee has, through its Chair, also been participating in the working group set up by Council to organise a joint rates and salaries survey with ITI. Whilst this process has proven to be rather longer than had been envisaged, it is hoped that the survey will go live in the first half of July. CIOL members (all categories) will receive information about the survey and instructions on how to use it by email, direct from Survey Gizmo, the company hosting the survey on our behalf. For non-member practising linguists, there will also be announcements with the link to the survey in TL and the ITI Bulletin, and on both the CIOL and ITI websites in July. The joint CIOL/ITI Rates and Salaries Survey 2011 does not confine itself to rates and ancillary charges but will also seek your feedback on a wide range of additional topics, such as the equipment and software packages you use (including CAT tools), voiceover, remote interpreting and where your markets are in relation to where you live. So please spread the good word to other professional linguists who might be interested in completing the survey.
Exchange of information between the Interpreting Division and other divisions and organs of the CIoL – in particular the Translating Division, the Editorial Board and Council continues to take place on a regular basis.
Programme of events
Your committee should very much like to thank all our members and visitors for supporting the events and for giving us important and objective feedback over the year. We can assure you that we do listen and where possible act upon it.
And last, but not least, I wish in particular to thank my committee of volunteers (yes they are volunteers – not paid members of CIoL staff) and the Institute staff at Saxon House, who have continued to give the Division extremely valued support – sometimes under difficult circumstances and often way beyond the call of duty!
Christine Pocock, FCIL, DipTrans
Chair Interpreting Division
02 June 2011
Events
Outline CPD Events Programme 2011-2012
The importance of interpreting in combating human trafficking across borders
Division AGM
Saturday 16 June 2012
Novotel London City South, 53-61 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1
10:30-11:00 Coffee and welcome
11:00-12:00 Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB) – specialist interpreter training with Meena Enawalla, Operations Manager CFAB.
CFAB is a unique UK-based charity which identifies and protects children who have been separated from family members as a consequence of trafficking, abduction, migration, divorce, conflict and asylum, as well as other vulnerable individuals in often desperate circumstances.
As a National Inter-country Social Work Resource Centre, CFAB collaborates with NGOs, Local Authorities and other Government Departments, police and social work professionals to ensure children whose circumstance crosses one or more international borders are protected as guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is a unique role and CFAB is recognised by the UK Government.
12:00-13:00 The importance of interpreting and translation in combating the impact of human trafficking with Mariana Petersel, President GTR (Generatie Tanara Romania).
GTR [Young Generation Romania] founded in 2001, is a non political, non-religious, not for profit NGO, with its headquarters in Timisoara in Romania. It currently has 31 members of staff, and 150 volunteers with more than 15 years experience in setting up human rights programmes, which include amongst others, projects for the prevention of human trafficking and the rehabilitation of its victims, for providing assistance to refugees in transit (UNHCR partner since 2005) and for the re-integration of ‘unaccompanied’ minors abroad.
GTR is also a partner organisation of CFAB in London and in June 2011, the French Embassy in Romania bestowed on Mariana Petersel a human rights award for her work on the voluntary repatriation of the Roma. The positive outcomes of these GTR projects serve to highlight just how essential these projects are.
13:00-14:15 Buffet lunch and networking with colleagues
14:15-14:45 AGM
To attend this event, please download and complete the booking form available here.
Management Committee
Please note that our committee members can now all be reached via a central Interpreting Division email address: IoL.Interpreting.Division@googlemail.com
Emails to individual members of the committee will be automatically forwarded.
| Christine Pocock, FCIL |
Chair |
| Jan Kern, MCIL |
Treasurer |
| Maria-Teresa Grau, MCIL |
Hon. Sec/Events |
| Gabriela Bocanete, MCIL |
InterpNet Co-ordinator |
| Ralph Innes, FCIL |
Reports |
| Jana Kohl, MCIL |
E-mail list/Publicity |
| Bibiana Jordan-Horathova, MCIL |
Northern Region Co-ordinator & Publicity |
| Trevor Adcock, ACIL |
Co-optee, InterpNet Co-ordinator |
| Galyna Bland, MCIL |
Co-optee, General Committee Support |
| Andrea Duristova, MCIL |
Co-optee, General Committee Support |
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