T&I Adjunct Faculty - German
Professor Weber has over 50 years’ experience as a freelance conference interpreter all over the world. His work has covered international organizations, the private market, as well as diplomatic interpretation. He has trained interpreters during that same period in Geneva, Monterey, and on special assignments in Asia.
Weber served as the was senior adviser for professional interpreters at the Rio Olympic Games, chief interpreter at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing in 2014, and IOC chief interpreter at the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in 2014. In total, he has been chief interpreter at fifteen Olympic Games. He is also a former staff interpreter at the European Economic Community (EEC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). He has served as a contract interpreter with the U.S. Department of State for German and French, and as a freelance interpreter up to the highest political level since 1964.
TIGR 8638
Adv Intrp I Simul into GermanCourse Description
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
TIGR 8646
Adv Intrp II-Consc to GermanCourse 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
Professor Weber teaches consecutive and simultaneous interpretation between German, French and English.
Professor Weber has been teaching at the Institute since 1978 and is the former dean of the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation.
Professor Weber authored one book and several published articles and lectures. Please check for availability with the MIIS library.
| by Jessie Raymond
Maureen Sweeney MPA ’94, deputy chief of the interpreting staff for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, developed a remote interpreting program to expand language services at the Games while giving MIIS students and recent graduates a chance to test their skills in a high-profile, real-world setting.
