Two Alums Pass Difficult United Nations Interpretation Exam
| by Darcy Morter
Two Middlebury Institute alumni in the Conference Interpretation program have passed the demanding exam required for United Nations interpreters.
Chuanyun Bao
Professor
- Office
- Casa Fuente Building CF300B
- Tel
- (831) 647-4172
- cbao@middlebury.edu
Twenty-seven years ago, Professor Bao left the United Nations Office in Geneva where he served as a staff interpreter to join the faculty at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Over these years, he has taught sight translation, consecutive and simultaneous interpretation, and briefly, translation. Besides teaching, he continues to work as a freelance interpreter for corporations, institutions, the United Nations and other international organizations. He has also been active in the area of academic research with focus on training the trainers for translation and interpretation. He served as the dean of the Institute’s Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation for seven years between 2002 and 2009.
Like his colleagues, Professor Bao has been trying to bring both his professional experience and research into the classroom. As a native speaker of Chinese who has been in the profession for a long time, he has built up enough experience and theory that he can share with his students and help them grow. The happiest thing for him is to see his students making progress in an often frustrating and challenging but rewarding learning experience at one of the best translation and interpretation programs in the world.
Courses Taught
TICH 8513
Intro Sight Trans to English
Course Description
Introduction to Sight Translation to English
Introduces students to the basic theory and practice of sight translation. Students will learn to apply text analysis, text typology, and contrastive analysis of their working languages to identify, analyze, and resolve translation problems while independently developing an efficient and rational approach to the process of translation. The appropriate application of electronic translation tools will also be introduced. Fundamental translation theory will be emphasized at the beginning of the course and will be conveyed in the form of assigned readings, lectures, class discussions, and independent research. In addition, course assignments will include practice and graded exercises in sight translation, utilizing authentic texts drawn from an extensive variety of text categories that include, but are not limited to, current events, general political economy, general legal documents, and scientific and technical topics for general audiences. As the term progresses, student time and effort will increasingly be spent on the preparation and evaluation of written translation assignments. Students will be expected to take at least one midterm exam and one final exam, to be assigned at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Terms Taught
Fall 2022 - MIIS
TICH 8525
Intrm Intrp-Consc into English
Course Description
Intermediate Interpretation – Consecutive and Simultaneous
Builds on the practical and theoretical foundation laid in Introduction to Interpretation. Consists of both language-specific and joint sessions with other language programs.
In consecutive, students learn to identify the implicit structural organization of an extemporaneous speech by presenting and interpreting speeches of this type. Reinforces ability to perceive essential meaning and further develops note-taking techniques. Emphasizes clarity of expression, correct style and grammar, proper diction, and polished presentation. Students also expand their active vocabulary to include the terms and idioms that frequently occur in extemporaneous speeches. At the end of the course, students are able to interpret passages that are delivered extemporaneously, are of moderate difficulty, and are derived from professional settings. These passages vary from one to several paragraphs in length depending upon language combination, direction, and source content.
In simultaneous, students are introduced to basic strategies of interpreting in this mode in the booth. Begins with a general introduction and follows up with a series of preparatory exercises helping students develop the concentration necessary for listening and speaking at the same time, mastering voice management, and acquiring smooth delivery techniques. Students learn to analyze discourse for meaning while rendering a coherent version in the TL with correct grammar, diction and style. At the end of the course, students are able to interpret passages that are between eight and ten minutes in length.
Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with some emphasis placed on business and economics. Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Course prerequisites: Introduction to Interpretation or the equivalent
Terms Taught
Spring 2023 - MIIS
TICH 8635
Current
Adv Intrp I Consc into English
Course Description
Advanced Interpretation I Consecutive into English
This is the first of two complementary courses designed to bring interpretation knowledge and skills up to the professional level. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the first-year interpretation courses to produce interpretations that would be of acceptable quality in a professional setting. Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with emphasis placed on business, economics, science, technology, and other topics congruent with current market demand for interpretation in the language combination in question. Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment.
In consecutive interpretation, students prepare by researching topics before each session, with emphasis on sequential logic in notetaking and accurate terminology in delivery. Students continue to hone their skills by diagnosing and correcting problems at all stages from listening through delivery, while progressing to increasingly difficult and challenging material. In simultaneous interpretation, the techniques learned in the previous semester are consolidated, which enables students to polish their delivery and language register. Focuses on nuance of meaning, accuracy of interpretation, research and preparation for conferences, and glossary development. Special attention is given to maintaining concentration while under significant psychological stress. Students learn to recognize SL discourse patterns and render them effectively in TL.
At the end of the course, students are able to interpret difficult passages that are derived from professional settings. In consecutive, students are able to interpret passages up to several paragraphs in length. In simultaneous interpretation, students are able to interpret passages that are between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Terms Taught
Fall 2022 - MIIS, Fall 2023 - MIIS
TICH 8637
Current
Adv Intrp I Simul into English
Course Description
Advanced Interpretation I Simultaneous into English
This is the first of two complementary courses designed to bring interpretation knowledge and skills up to the professional level. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the first-year interpretation courses to produce interpretations that would be of acceptable quality in a professional setting. Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with emphasis placed on business, economics, science, technology, and other topics congruent with current market demand for interpretation in the language combination in question. Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment.
In consecutive interpretation, students prepare by researching topics before each session, with emphasis on sequential logic in notetaking and accurate terminology in delivery. Students continue to hone their skills by diagnosing and correcting problems at all stages from listening through delivery, while progressing to increasingly difficult and challenging material. In simultaneous interpretation, the techniques learned in the previous semester are consolidated, which enables students to polish their delivery and language register. Focuses on nuance of meaning, accuracy of interpretation, research and preparation for conferences, and glossary development. Special attention is given to maintaining concentration while under significant psychological stress. Students learn to recognize SL discourse patterns and render them effectively in TL.
At the end of the course, students are able to interpret difficult passages that are derived from professional settings. In consecutive, students are able to interpret passages up to several paragraphs in length. In simultaneous interpretation, students are able to interpret passages that are between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Terms Taught
Fall 2022 - MIIS, Fall 2023 - MIIS
TICH 8645
Upcoming
Adv Intrp II-Consc to English
Course Description
Advanced Interpretation II – Consecutive and Simultaneous
This course is the counterpart to Advanced Interpretation I. Students are expected to interpret speeches of considerable difficulty and complexity and to cope with the types of challenges that are likely to be encountered in professional settings. Provides final preparation for the Professional Examinations.
In consecutive interpretation, emphasis is placed on both science and technology and political rhetoric, requiring particular attention to nuance and tone. Students learn the vernacular of political speeches and other challenging material while sharpening listening, processing, and notetaking functions.
In simultaneous interpretation, advanced instruction is given for difficult speeches. Emphasizes following the logic of complex scientific and technical discourse, and remaining faithful to the style and tone of persuasive political discourse. Students are also introduced to simultaneous interpretation with text. They learn how to draw upon outlines, transcripts, slides and transparencies, and other written materials to enhance the accuracy and completeness of their interpretation. Emphasis is placed on text preparation strategies and efficient use of textual materials while on the air.
Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with emphasis placed on topics congruent with current market demand for interpretation in the relevant language combination(s). Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment.
At the end of the course, students are expected to interpret difficult speeches in professional settings. In consecutive, students are called upon to interpret passages that are several paragraphs in length. In simultaneous, students are able to interpret passages that are between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Course prerequisites: Advanced Interpretation I or the equivalent
Terms Taught
Spring 2022 - MIIS, Spring 2023 - MIIS, Spring 2024 - MIIS
TICH 8647
Adv Intrp II-Siml into English
Course Description
Advanced Interpretation II – Consecutive and Simultaneous
This course is the counterpart to Advanced Interpretation I. Students are expected to interpret speeches of considerable difficulty and complexity and to cope with the types of challenges that are likely to be encountered in professional settings. Provides final preparation for the Professional Examinations.
In consecutive interpretation, emphasis is placed on both science and technology and political rhetoric, requiring particular attention to nuance and tone. Students learn the vernacular of political speeches and other challenging material while sharpening listening, processing, and notetaking functions.
In simultaneous interpretation, advanced instruction is given for difficult speeches. Emphasizes following the logic of complex scientific and technical discourse, and remaining faithful to the style and tone of persuasive political discourse. Students are also introduced to simultaneous interpretation with text. They learn how to draw upon outlines, transcripts, slides and transparencies, and other written materials to enhance the accuracy and completeness of their interpretation. Emphasis is placed on text preparation strategies and efficient use of textual materials while on the air.
Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with emphasis placed on topics congruent with current market demand for interpretation in the relevant language combination(s). Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment.
At the end of the course, students are expected to interpret difficult speeches in professional settings. In consecutive, students are called upon to interpret passages that are several paragraphs in length. In simultaneous, students are able to interpret passages that are between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Course prerequisites: Advanced Interpretation I or the equivalent
Terms Taught
Spring 2022 - MIIS
TICH 8655
Upcoming
Intrp for the United Nations
Course Description
Interpreting for the United Nations
This course is designed to provide a more advanced training in English-Chinese and Chinese-English simultaneous interpretation for the United Nations. This 30-hour (current MIIS students will get 2 credits) intensive training will mainly focus on speeches selected from meetings and conferences of the United Nations headquarters in New York, with a small portion from other international organizations. This online course will consist of discussions of the basic principles, concepts and strategies of interpretation, student interpreting in class and comments and feedback by the instructor. Students are required to prepare for the course by reading on topics commonly discussed at the United Nations, and familiarizing themselves with concepts and terminologies under each topic. Extensive practice after class will also be required.
The course will be completed in the first ten weeks of the spring semester of 2022, with 2 hours of class for each week, plus two 5-hour weekend workshops.
Terms Taught
Spring 2022 - MIIS, MIIS Workshop, Spring 2024 - MIIS, MIIS First Half of Term
TICH 8656
Upcoming
Intrp ForUnitedNations Workshp
Course Description
Interpretation for the United Nations (Workshop)
This 15-hour workshop is open to graduates and current second-year students of the Chinese Program of the Graduate School of Translation, Interpretation and Language Education. It is designed to provide a more focused discussion and training in English-Chinese and Chinese-English simultaneous interpretation on UN related topics. Staff interpreters from the United Nations will be invited as guest lecturers, who will share their experiences working for different meetings at the UN, and provide feedback on students’ performance in class. Students are expected to prepare for the workshop by reading on topics commonly discussed at the United Nations, and familiarizing themselves with concepts and terminologies under each topic. Extensive practice after class will also be required. The workshop will be held on February 5, 12 and 19, 2022, with five hours of intensive training for each day.
Terms Taught
Spring 2022 - MIIS, MIIS Workshop, Spring 2024 - MIIS, MIIS Second Half of Term
Areas of Interest
Professor Bao’s research interests include cognitive approach to translation and interpretation and expertise development, which he believes are the two most important areas in the training of translators and interpreters. It is a rewarding experience for him to see his students apply the strategies and techniques in their work.
Academic Degrees
- Diploma in Translation and Conference Interpretation, United Nations Translators and Interpreters Program (now the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation), Beijing Foreign Studies University, 1985
Professor Bao has been teaching at the Institute since 1990.