Conference Interpreting: Principles and Practice

by Valerie Taylor-Bouladon, David H. Barrett, Pieter Bruegel (Illustrator)

This book is now in its Third Edition having recently been revised and updated. It is also available as an e-Book (Kindle). It has been described by Sherrill J. Bell, Executive Director of NAATI at the time of its first publication, as "one of the most significant contributions to the field of interpreting and translating in Australia in the past decade. It represents the only major publication in Australia on this specific aspect of interpreting in recent years. As such, it provides an all-encompassing reference work for prospective conference interpreters, for conference organisers, for interpreting and translation educators and for individuals generally interested in the profession." "The book is written in a very free style that clearly reflects the enthusiasm and vibrancy of the author. Its content is informative and practical, often based on scientific principles, while at the same time interspersed with humour and fascinating anecdotes. The book has the remarkable quality of conveying serious and important concepts in a format that is user-friendly and enjoyable to read. In summary, Conference Interpreting is a most significant contribution to the field of interpreting in Australia and internationally. It should be required reading for all those involved with the profession. It begins with the history of interpreting in Europe and Australia, then looks at how it is done today, and what lies ahead. The different modes of interpretation are explained; there are tips for beginners such as how to overcome stage fright, what to do if you miss something, booth behaviour and microphone manners, how to become a graceful scapegoat, economise your voice and make delegates laugh as well as how to deal with Australianisms. A chapter is devoted to conference organisers, another to protocol and etiquette, after-dinner speeches and press conferences, as well as the duties, responsibilities and ethics of the profession, how to improve your performance, working for radio and television and the special requirements, gravity and complexity of court interpreting. The bodies that make up UN and EU are detailed and the languages used. Finally a comprehensive bibliography is given with suggestions for further reading. This book is intended to help language students, would-be interpreters, conference organizers and delegates as well as those who have studied interpretation techniques but lack booth experience and are reluctant to launch themselves into this challenging but satisfying, stimulating, even exhilarating, profession. It is not about the theory of interpretation but rather a 'hands-on' manuel explaining how simultaneous interpretation works, how it is done, the pitfalls to avoid, which languages are most in demand and where.

Genres: Nonfiction

322 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2007

Reviews

[DG Interpretation - SCIC · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is a useful general introduction to conference interpreting which includes some practical chapters that are not found in other books - for example about booth etiquette or how to prepare for a meeting. Some parts of the book refer specifically to the author's home-market - Australia but most of it is relevant to any interpreting student."
Andrew Gillies,
Conference Interpreter

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a course on simultaneous interpreting. While the information in it is certainly useful, I mean, it is a great overview of the dos and don'ts of the interpreting job, I think the book is too anecdotal in some places. It could be shaved down in some places where references are made to this and that conference where this and that happened. Certainly fun to read about, not so much an introduction to the customs of the practice.

[Eren Buğlalılar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introductory guide to learn what the profession is about. Simultaneous and consecutive modes, manners and etiquette and some low-key elitist remarks about how talented the interpreters are.

If you are looking for useful techniques and practical exercises to improve your interpretation skills, however, this book is not that one.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating!! Valerie Taylor-Bouladon not only brings an entire lifetime worth of first-hand experience and knowledge to bear on the subject, she has a genuinely interesting and entertaining way of writing. Some of the content in here made me excited for the day when I will finally be an interpreter, whereas some came close to dashing those hopes. I think this is definitely worth a read by anyone interested in interpreting or in hiring interpreters. I'll definitely be rereading it at some point.

[Sydney Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a university student interested in conference interpreting, I appreciated Taylor-Bouladon's comprehensive account of the demands of interpreting. From travel to technology to difficult delegates, nothing is left untouched. For those already in the profession, she includes, briefly, the more technical details for conferences. Great read if you are interested in the field or looking for more guidance in your career as an interpreter!