The Establishment of Interpretation Studies as An Independent Discipline and Early Initiatives in Interpreter Training

Abstract

Interpretation Studies has emerged as a distinct field of academic inquiry, differentiating itself from linguistics and translation studies. This paper explores the historical development of interpretation as an academic discipline, tracing the institutionalization of interpreter training programs and early research initiatives. The focus is on post-World War II efforts, key academic institutions, and pioneering figures that shaped the discipline’s foundations. The article deals with the initial stage of training simultaneous interpreters and developing their professional skills. The authors single out and analyse a number of abilities and skills that learners are expected to develop in order to successfully obtain the qualification of simultaneous interpreters and offer a system of exercises and tasks that is intended to assist their acquisition.

Keywords

Interpretation studies, interpreter training, independent discipline, translation studies