Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE LLT5270

 
TITLE Sign Language Interpreting, Theoretical Issues and Introduction to Professional Practice

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Institute of Linguistics and Language Technology

 
DESCRIPTION Sign Language interpreters often face complex ethical dilemmas and sensitive issues that require urgent application of critical thinking skills and professional ethical decision-making. This study-unit considers a historical perspective of the field and provides instruction on current and emerging trends before introducing the theory and skills of the interpreting process, roles and responsibilities of the interpreter, cultural implications for the interpreter, along with reflections on ethical decision making.

Study-Unit Aims:

This study-unit aims to:
- Introduce the role of the professional sign language interpreter;
- Equip students with skills to make ethical decisions when faced with ethical dilemmas in the field.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Explain, discuss and critique the Code of Ethics followed by professional LSM Interpreters and demonstrate capacity to apply the tenets of the Code of Ethics in the field;
- Explain and discuss the role and responsibilities of a professional sign language interpreter across different settings;
- Explain and discuss how to prepare for a range of assignments in the field;
- Explain and discuss the aims and objectives of Interpreter Associations at National (AILSM) European (EFSLI) and International (WASLI) levels;
- Outline the key principles enshrined in legal acts regulating sign language interpreting services across countries;
- Demonstrate the know-how associated with maintaining a healthy musculoskeletal system.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Practise and document personal wellness plan during the semester;
- Practise physical self-care to avoid repetitive strain injuries while interpreting;
- Demonstrate strategies for managing personal and professional boundaries;
- Develop understanding of professional boundaries;
- Apply knowledge of boundaries to professional practice;
- Relate reflective writing skills to professional practice;
- Practise reflective writing skills.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:
- Dean, R. K., & Pollard Jr, R. Q. (2011). Context-based ethical reasoning in interpreting: A demand control schema perspective. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer, 5(1), 155-182.
- Llewellyn-Jones, P., & Lee, R. G. (2013). Getting to the Core of Role: Defining Interpreters' Role Space. International Journal of Interpreter Education, 5(2), 54-72.
- Roy, C.B. & Napier, J. (2015). The Sign Language Interpreting Studies Reader. The Netherlands: John Benjamins Publ.Co.
- Sheneman, Naomi (2016) "Deaf Interpreters’ Ethics: Reflections on Training and Decision-Making," Journal of Interpretation: Vol. 25: Iss. 1, Article 8. Available at: http://digitalcommons.unf.edu/joi/vol25/iss1/8.
- Winston, Elizabeth A. (Ed.). (2005). Educational Interpreting : How it Can Succeed. Washington D.C.: Gallaudet University Press.

Supplementary Readings:
- Pöchhacker, Franz. & Shlesinger, Miriam. (2002). The Interpreting Studies Reader. London: Taylor & Francis Ltd.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Pre-requisite Qualifications: Maltese Sign Language Level 2

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Group Learning, Lecture and Seminar

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Classwork See note below Yes 25%
Assignment See note below Yes 75%
Note: Assessment due date will be notified by the Faculty/Institute/Centre/School.

 
LECTURER/S Graham Turner
Lorraine Leeson
Marie Alexander (Co-ord.)

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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