An Activity in the Interpreting Skills Series
As of 2022, the Interpreting Skills Series was a 19-credit-hour, four-course series covering interpreting skills and theory in the ASL-English Interpretation BA program at the University of Northern Colorado.
Consecutive Interpreting
The Interpreting Skills Series acknowledged that consecutive interpreting involved the interpreter rendering the speaker's message into the target language after the speaker had completed one or more ideas and paused, allowing for a more accurate and complete interpretation. In the context of ASL-English interpreting, particularly in legal settings, from which Russell (2002) conducted the best-known study, this method has been shown to enhance accuracy and reduce errors compared to simultaneous interpreting. This approach is a tool to ensure that both Deaf and hearing participants have equitable access to information, thereby facilitating clearer communication and understanding.
Overview
In Interpreting Skills & Theory II (INTR 245),
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Consecutive interpreting is the first lesson of the first course in the Interpreting Skills Series.
Consecutive interpreting is the logical place to begin unpacking the interpreting process and acquiring interpreting skills because it provides the bridge between translation and interpreting skills.
Learning Objectives
In Interpreting Skills & Theory II (INTR 245, Lesson 1),
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Define consecutive interpreting.
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Analyze the similarities and differences between consecutive and simultaneous interpreting.
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Identify the contextual and discourse factors that typically exist and indicate the need for consecutive interpreting.
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Apply the 10-step discourse analysis process to prepare for a consecutive interpretation.
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Execute a consecutive interpretation of an interactive text.
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Analyze the consecutive interpretation.
Insights
In Interpreting Skills & Theory II (INTR 245, Lesson 1),
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Consecutive interpreting through the lens of interactive interpreting assignments.
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Consecutive interpreting through the lens of the cognitive stages of the interpreting process.
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Consecutive interpreting supports message cohesion and speaker intention.
The interpreters’ primary role is to mediate the linguistic and cultural aspects of an interpreted interaction – in many settings, this role is more effectively achieved by utilizing a consecutive interpreting format.
Materials
In Interpreting Skills & Theory II (INTR 245),
Cokely, D. (1992). Interpretation: A sociolinguistic model. Linstok Press, Inc.
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Chapter 1: Interpretation: An Overview
Hogan, J. (2016). Consecutive interpreting with Debra Russell – Part 1. YouTube. https://youtu.be/oNx5uUgUuVg?si=a_VGl1eo8o_9N_6k
Russell, D. (2002). Interpreting in legal contexts: Consecutive and simultaneous interpretation. Linstok Press, Inc.
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Pages 135-164
Russell, D. (2005). Chapter 6: Consecutive v. Simultaneous Interpreting in T. Janson (Ed.), Topics in Signed Language Interpreting: Theory and Practice, (pp. 135-164), John Benjamins Publishing Company.
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Activities & Assignments
In Interpreting Skills & Theory II (INTR 245),
Classroom Discussion:
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With the goal of synthesizing content from Russell and Cokely, discuss:
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Perceptions of consecutive interpreting,
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Observations and experience with consecutive interpreting,
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Meaning-Based Model of Interpreting (Russell, 2002),
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Barriers versus assumptions about utilizing consecutive interpreting more consistently, and
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Cokely’s (1992) principles of assessing translation quality as it relates to consecutive interpreting.
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Based on the analyses of the model consecutive interpretations, discuss the strategies utilized, the overall accuracy and effectiveness of the interpretation, and challenges that may have surfaced.
Discourse Analyses – Analyzes consecutive model interpretations
Consecutive Interactive Interpretations – Complete interpretations of various scenario applying the use of consecutive interpreting.
Observations – Conduct observations of working interpreters who are consecutive interpreting.
Quiz – Assesses knowledge surrounding consecutive interpreting including what it means, how it works, myths commonly associated with its use in the field, and its contribution to message accuracy.