Üsküdar University Simultaneous Interpreting Laboratory is a training center established to train competent and well-equipped professionals in the field of interpreting in accordance with international standards. With its modern infrastructure and professional equipment designed to teach consecutive and simultaneous interpreting techniques, our laboratory offers a unique learning environment that provides our students with a real-world interpreting experience. Our aim is to help our students maximize their interpreting skills and gain a competitive advantage in the global translation industry.
Our Mission
The Simultaneous Interpreting Lab aims to provide our students with comprehensive training in consecutive and simultaneous interpreting techniques to prepare them for a career as a professional interpreter. Our hands-on classes, which simulate real-life interpreting scenarios, allow our students to improve their stress management, quick thinking and ability to interpret in different subject areas. We ensure that our students are prepared for the dynamics of the translation industry with our cabins and professional equipment that meet international standards.
Our Training Programs
Our laboratory offers both theoretical and practical training in interpreting. Below are the main components of our training programs:
1. Consecutive Interpreting Training
Consecutive interpreting is a method where the translator translates the speaker's words into the target language after listening to them. The trainings we offer in this area include
- Basic Techniques: Note-taking techniques to quickly and accurately take notes of what the speaker says.
- Memory and Listening Skills: How to remember and effectively translate long speeches.
- Practical Exercises: Consecutive interpreting practice with real-life speech scenarios.
2. Simultaneous Interpreting Training
Simultaneous interpreting requires the ability to translate what the speaker says simultaneously. In our laboratory, the following trainings are provided in this field:
- Booth Studies: Simultaneous interpreting practice using microphones and headphones in soundproof booths in accordance with international standards.
- Speed Translation Techniques: The ability to interpret accurately and fluently by keeping up with the speed of the speaker.
- Stress Management: Gaining competence to translate in intense and stressful environments.
3. Use of Professional Equipment
Our laboratory is equipped with the latest and professional translation equipment used in the industry:
- Sound Insulated Cabins: Opportunity to work in booths that comply with International Association of Simultaneous Interpreting Organizations (AIIC) standards.
- Microphone and Headset Systems: High-quality equipment for a real-time interpreting experience.
- Recording and Feedback Systems: Opportunity to analyze and improve students' performance by recording their translations.
4. Real Life Experience
We simulate real-life translation scenarios to enable our students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice:
- Various Subject Areas: Translation of speeches in different fields such as law, medicine, diplomacy, technology and business.
- Stressful Environment Simulations: Developing skills to work under pressure during real-time translation.
- Group Workshops: Students listen to each other's translations, provide critical feedback and develop teamwork skills.
5. Feedback and Performance Evaluation
We offer a structured feedback process to improve the quality of our students' translations:
- Peer Review: Students listen to each other's translations and offer constructive criticism.
- Instructor Feedback: Our experienced instructors evaluate each student's performance individually and provide personalized guidance.
- Record Analysis: Detailed analysis of translation records to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
6. Special Area Translations
We offer specialized training modules to improve interpreting skills for different sectors:
- Legal Interpreting: Translation techniques for court hearings, contracts and legal negotiations.
- Medical Translation: Interpreting medical conferences, patient interviews and medical reports.
- Diplomatic Translation: Translation practice for international meetings and diplomatic negotiations.
