To better understand the current state of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter education in the United States, the authors analyzed publicly available website data to document the number and type of active postsecondary interpreter education programs by state. This descriptive study aimed to address a significant gap in the literature by…

This paper explores the various options available for dealing with the demands and costs of communication in a world of many languages. Globalization has increased the demand for language services necessary to accomplish effective communication. It is argued that the day is not far off when the complications, costs, and inequalities of language…

Argues that the importance of student exchange programs is often overlooked in the planning of translator training. Applies basic economic principles to show that such programs present excellent possibilities for translator training. (HB)

In response to a paper on Translation Quality Assessment and the training of translators, it is argued that too much emphasis is given to the role of psycholinguistics, functionalism, and quality assessment and too little on the development of student translators as the complex readers and writers that translators should be. Focus is on literary…

A response to a paper on the training of translators criticizes assertions made about the layperson's view of translation and about the relevance and consistency of professional training, and identifies misconceptions in the author's understanding of specific theories and approaches, particularly the functionalist approach to translation and…

The author of a paper of Translation Quality Assessment and the training of translators responds to criticisms, focusing on the problems of a contrastive/comparative linguistics approach to translation, the complexity of the translation task, and the issue of translator subjectivity. (MSE)

Poetry performance is an approach to learning where students can use theatrical techniques to develop a response to the poem. This paper argues that ELL students can explore the aesthetic function of language and, more widely, develop confidence in using English as a communicative tool through the dramatization of poetry. We describe the process…

Examines theoretical foundations and practical application of Translation Quality Assessment (TQA), particularly in translator training. Several approaches to translation are considered, especially the "functional" and "relevance" approaches. The need for TQA, several popular views on translation quality, and the issue of…

A response to a paper on Translation Quality Assessment (TQA) and the training of translators focuses on the paper's criticism of the theoretical basis for teaching and evaluating student work. It discusses how criteria for evaluation of translations are determined and the role of the client/audience in this process. (MSE)

The traditional approach to grammar teaching provides learners with opportunities to produce specific grammatical structures. This article explores an alternative approach, one based on interpreting input. The rationale for the approach is discussed, as are the principles for designing interpretation tasks for grammar teaching. (Contains 35…

A response to a paper on Translation Quality Assessment and the training of translators looks at parallel developments in second/foreign language learning/teaching, particularly in error analysis, error evaluation, and language authenticity. Argues criteria used to assess quality of translations in a professional context, for which functionalism…

Interpreting, or oral translation, can be used in undergraduate second language study as a technique for developing oral skills. The technique can produce both sound linguistic judgment and confident oral and written performance that last beyond testing. It integrates four essential elements of oral/aural skills: comprehension, phonology/fluency,…