Pedagogic materials for interpreting courses

A case study on the use of online audio-visual press conference

Abstract

Many Japanese universities offer interpreting courses and sufficient resources are available for interpreting training. It seems, however, that there is no so-called standard or definitive textbook encompassing the curriculum of an introductory interpreting course. Thus, it is the responsibility of the instructors to select their own pedagogical materials and methodology in each class. Traditional language learning materials are edited textbooks with CDs, but the format presents certain deficiencies: unavailability of renewed content, issues of authenticity, and a lack of portability. Novice learners using this edited format may also find it problematic to visualize the situation in which professional interpreters perform their actual duties. This study uses an Internet press conference to investigate learner perceptions and clarify the advantages and disadvantages of teaching and learning through the traditional textbook/CD vis-a-vis available online resources.