Course: Introduction to Community Interpreting

« Back
Course title Introduction to Community Interpreting
Course code KSR/7UKT
Organizational form of instruction Seminary
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Čadajeva Olga, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Pálušová Martina, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Introduction. Basic concepts and definitions. Interpreting methods, styles, and language skills. 2. Codes of ethics and standards of practice. Accuracy, confidentiality, transparency, impartiality, proper role definition, and competence. The role of the interpreter. Setting boundaries. 3. - 4. Competence in cultural transfer and mediation. 5. Introductory exercises for interpreters. Exercises and activities for memory, mnemonics, and interpreting note-taking. 6. The refugee's journey. A client-centered approach. 7. Refugees at government offices. The visa application process and related legal and administrative communication. 8. Mental health. Specifics of interpreting in the field of mental health, especially in contexts where the interpreter mediates communication between the client and a specialist (psychologist, psychiatrist, crisis interventionist, therapist). 9.-10. Model situations and procedures. Analysis and creation of model situations in the field of community interpreting. Development of the ability to reflect on and apply the ethical and communication principles of community interpreting through video materials. 11. Resilience and stress management. Mental resilience of interpreters and strategies for coping with stress when working in demanding communication situations.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Demonstration, Activating (Simulations, Games, Dramatization), Group work, Listening
  • Attendace - 25 hours per semester
  • Preparation for the Course Credit - 15 hours per semester
  • Semestral Work - 20 hours per semester
  • Homework for Teaching - 65 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The course is designed as an introduction to community interpreting with a focus on helping refugees. The course is primarily open to students who speak one of the Slavic languages (Ukrainian, Russian, Polish). Examples and exercises will primarily be in language pairs CZE - RUS, CZE - UKR, or CZE - POL, CZE - ENG. This course familiarizes students with the role, responsibilities, and ethical standards of community interpreters. It provides basic skills for interpreting in public services such as healthcare, education, legal, and social services. The course supports the development of competencies necessary for the sustainable development of society and the ability to cooperate in intercultural and crisis environments.
By the end of the course, students will be able to: Understand the role and code of conduct of community interpreters. Demonstrate effective consecutive interpreting techniques. Use active listening, memory and note-taking skills. Be aware of issues and strategies for accuracy and impartiality. Interpret simulated real-life situations.
Prerequisites
Proficiency in Czech language at a minimum level B1. Proficiency in one of the Slavic languages at a minimum level B1 (Russian, Ukrainian, Polish) and/or English language at a minimum level B1 is preferred.

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance, Analysis of linguistic, Final project

Max. absence rate 2 weeks 40%: Participation in lessons, discussions, practical exercises 20%: (Interpreted) presentation on a selected topic 40%: Simulated interpreting in the studio and self-evaluation.
Recommended literature
  • Bejček, Jan Matěj, Vlastníková Jana Magdaléna. (2022). Česko-anglický slovník pro interkulturní práci. Praha: InBáze.
  • Bejček, Jan Matěj, Vlastníková Jana Magdaléna. (2022). Česko-ruský slovník pro interkulturní práci. Praha: InBáze.
  • Bejček, Jan Matěj, Vlastníková Jana Magdaléna. (2022). Česko-ukrajinský slovník pro interkulturní práci. Praha: InBáze.
  • Pöchhacker, Franz. Teaching interpreting/Training interpreters. Handbook of translation studies 4. 2013.
  • Pöllabauer, Sonja. Community interpreting. , 2013.
  • Rudvin, Mette, and Elena Tomassini. Interpreting in the Community and Workplace. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan. 2011.
  • THE INTERPRETER'S LAB. Interpreting in Community Settings. Community-based training for interpreters working in health, social and legal settings. 2018.
  • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Interpreting in a Refugee Context. Self-Study module 3. Geneva. 2009.
  • Yves Gambier, Luc Van Doorslaer. (2010). Handbook of Translation Studies. John Benjamins.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Russian Philology Aimed at Translation and Business (2025) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Polish Philology Aimed at Translation and Business (2025) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Russian Philology (2019) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Polish Philology (2025) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Russian for Translators (2019) Category: Philological sciences - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Russian Philology (2019) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Russian Philology (2025) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Russian Philology Aimed at Translation and Business (2019) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Ukrainian Philology Aimed at Translation and Business (2025) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Russian Philology (2022) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Polish Philology (2019) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Polish Philology Aimed at Translation and Business (2019) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Polish Philology Specializing in Translation (2019) Category: Philological sciences - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Ukrainian Philology Aimed at Translation and Business (2019) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Russian Philology (2025) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Russian Philology (2019) Category: Philological sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Arts Study plan (Version): Russian Philology (2019) Category: Philological sciences - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: -