This study reports findings from an experiment that was conducted to investigate language proficiency as an indicator of future interpreting performance. The initial assumption was that Spanish undergraduate translation and interpreting students had an insufficient command of L2 skills to start interpreter training. We hypothesized that an intensive teaching module on L2 phonology and listening comprehension would improve their academic performance in interpreting. Several tests were used to evaluate participant L2 listening comprehension (TOEFL), L2 reading comprehension (TOEFL), L2 grammar (TOEFL), and L1 verbal fluency (WAIS-III). Only those related to L2 are reported here. A consecutive interpreting test was given at the end of the first interpretation module. The students’ self-perception regarding L2 issues was assessed using two questionnaires and an interview. The results suggest that L2 listening comprehension training aided in consecutive interpreting performance. Language proficiency was also found to correlate with interpreting scores. A base level of L2 proficiency for interpreting training is suggested. We conclude that L2 listening comprehension proficiency has a significant effect on undergraduate students’ interpreting ability and is therefore a suitable predictor for interpreting aptitude. Consequently, L2 listening skills should be included in the interpreting program curriculum, preferably before interpretation classes start.
ResumenLa publicación en la Unión Europea de la Directiva 2010/64/UE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 20 de octubre, relativa al derecho a interpretación y traducción en los procesos penales ha marcado un antes y un después en una gran cantidad de aspectos relacionados con la interpretación en sede judicial y policial. Esta norma tiene como principal objetivo garantizar la interpretación judicial de calidad durante todo el proceso, como parte del derecho a la defensa y a un juicio justo.España, como Estado Miembro de la UE, tiene la obligación de transponer la norma europea a su derecho interno. Se trata, pues, de un momento histórico en el que confluyen dos factores principales: la necesidad de cambiar la legislación para adaptarla a la nueva norma y la necesidad de implementar medidas para garantizar el cumplimiento de los nuevos mandatos.En el presente artículo se realiza una revisión del estado de la cuestión sobre la interpretación judicial en España desde el punto de vista de la legislación y de la provisión de servicios, y se analizan las medidas que debe tomar nuestro país para garantizar que la interpretación en los tribunales de justicia se lleva a cabo con las debidas garantías. Estas medidas incluyen la formación de intérpretes y de operadores judiciales, la creación de sistemas de acreditación y registros, así como la consolidación del perfil profesional de los intérpretes. Spain, as a Member State of the EU, has the obligation to transpose this European Directive into its domestic law. Therefore, this is a historic moment in which two main factors converge: the need to change the legislation to bring it in line with the new Directive and the need to implement measures to ensure compliance with new mandates. DOIThis paper reviews the present state of legal interpretation in Spain from the point of view of legislation and that of service provision and analyses the measures that Spain should take to ensure that court and police interpretations are carried out with due guarantees. These measures include the training of interpreters and legal operators, the creation of accreditation systems and records, as well as the consolidation of the professional profile of interpreters.Palabras clave: Interpretación judicial. Profesionalización. Formación. Acreditación. Registro.
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