Interpretation and Translation: English/Spanish

A general survey of criminal and civil courts and the various jurisdictions in which they operate. Explores basic legal concepts such as constitutional rights and search and seizure. Includes statutes and codes that court interpreters often encounter and discussion of related systems such as the probation departments and law enforcement agencies.

An examination of key grammar and syntax elements of both language structures, including the standard and non-standard forms of a language, and the importance of sentence structure, verbs, punctuation, reading, and writing, editing, and proofreading. Emphasis is on in-class reading; comprehension and writing exercises and discussions; syntax and semantics; and vocabulary development with examples from both languages.

This course provides the tools necessary to begin the journey into the rewarding and in-demand profession of Legal Interpretation. Students learn essential study techniques, as well as the three basic skills of court interpreting: sight translation, consecutive, and simultaneous interpretation. Class discussions cover important legal concepts surrounding the U.S. court system, including the role of the interpreter, ethics, professional profile, job market, pay scales, professional organizations, the private sector, and preparation to take the state certification exam.

This course emphasizes the acquisition of appropriate Spanish to English vocabulary and translation skills used in criminal and civil court matters. Sight translation is stressed. Materials are drawn from areas that include constitutional rights, jury instructions, penal and vehicle codes, arraignments, pleas and waivers, workers' compensation, depositions and other civil proceedings. Students are required to learn glossaries.

Emphasizes consecutive interpretation as practiced in courts and adjudicatory hearings. Tapes, court transcripts and other legal documents will be used to teach the technique, and note-taking skills will be developed employing principally an adaptation of the Rozan Method. Materials include specialized glossaries.

Emphasizes simultaneous interpretation, a technique used in judicial proceedings. Shadowing, decalage and other memory retention techniques will be covered to help the student acquire the flow, register, target language grammar and vocabulary necessary for a professional level of interpreting. Lab work will be stressed.

Focuses on ethical principles and standards in the interpreting profession. Complete and accurate interpretation, impartiality, confidentiality, dress code, preparedness, conflicts of interest and the interpreters' code of professional ethics will be covered. Methods of instruction include discussion, role playing, text readings and courtroom observations.