Preparing for Community Interpreting

About this course

The course examines the community interpreter’s role in public service settings, including confidentiality, impartiality and the use of specialist terminology. Learners research public service and healthcare issues affecting communities and practise interpreting through role-play, including appropriate basic interventions. Assessment is portfolio-based rather than exam-based. It includes written assignments and a final role-play, with work completed online from home and during lesson sessions. The course forms part of the route towards an OCN Community Interpreting qualification.

What you'll learn

• Use terminology associated with public services and healthcare
• Research public service issues affecting communities
• Apply confidentiality and impartiality responsibilities in interpreting contexts
• Practise interpreting through role-play activities
• Use basic intervention techniques during interpreting sessions
• Compile written and practical evidence for an assessment portfolio

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners aged 19 or over who have passed the provider’s Community Interpreting Assessment. It suits those with English at Entry Level 3 or above and fluent spoken, reading and writing ability in a community language. Previous interpreting or translation experience does not remove the assessment requirement.

• A successful Community Interpreting Assessment is required before enrolment
• Learners need English at Entry Level 3 or above
• Fluency in reading, writing and speaking a community language is expected

Before you go

• Delivered online via Zoom
• Learners need to use Microsoft Word, send email attachments and compile their portfolio as a PDF
• Portfolio work is completed from home and during lesson sessions
• Glossary work requires writing in the learner’s community language