Bachelor of Arts
Interpreting
Interpreting is so much more than just repeating someone’s words in a different language. The variety of language, the level of formality and cultural understanding all test the skill of a good interpreter. The challenge is to do justice to every situation. Success brings great satisfaction to the interpreter and the clients alike. This programme is suitable for students who already speak two languages very well.
WHAT THIS PROGRAMME COVERS
The Interpreting major will encourage and require students to:
- Recognise the importance of the real purpose of what is said, not just the message of the words themselves
- Recognise cross-cultural implications for interpreting
- Recognise the effects of intonation on spoken words
- Recognise the frequent use of idiomatic language in spoken English
- Interpret and paraphrase accurately, using a range of terminology appropriate to either legal, or healthcare settings
- Interpret both consecutively and simultaneously from English to a language other than English
- Understand the ethical and professional responsibilities of an interpreter
Core Papers
Throughout the three years of the BA, students take core papers that provide the necessary skills in writing, research and IT capability to prepare them for academic work and their working life. For a list of core papers see the Bachelor of Arts overview.
Interpreting Papers
Advanced Interpreting Business and Technology
Advanced Interpreting Skills (Health)
Advanced Interpreting Skills (Legal)
Contextual Studies (Health)
Contextual Studies (Legal)
Contextual Studies of Interpreting
Oral Skills for Interpreting
Theory and Practice of Interpreting
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Legal interpreting opportunities include work in areas such as Tenancy Services, Customs Department, Disputes Tribunals and the Child, Youth and Family Service.
Health interpreting opportunities include work in areas such as outpatients’ clinics, emergency departments, mental health settings and counselling.
In addition, there is freelance work for providers such as the LanguageLine nationwide telephone interpreting service, or government departments such as the Department of Justice, MAF, or area district health boards.
*Subject to approval