News

The Translation Unit at our university has recently marked a significant milestone with a series of groundbreaking workshops, meticulously planned and executed by our talented MA in Translation students. These workshops, spanning four consecutive Mondays – 23 October, 30 October, 6 November, and 13 November 2023, turned into a hub of learning and exchange for a diverse audience from numerous universities within Saudi Arabia and overseas, showcasing the burgeoning interest in the realms of translation and interpretation.

The series kicked off with a session that set a high standard for the rest. Led by Mr. Mohammed Alhatlan, Ms. Reem Albariqi, and Ms. Atheer Alqahtani, this workshop dove deep into the essence of interpretation, blending professional skills with ethical considerations. The trio, with their diverse backgrounds and experiences, brought to light the multifaceted nature of interpretation. They emphasized not only the technical precision required but also the cultural sensitivity essential in bridging language barriers. Interactive case studies and role-play exercises enriched this session, allowing attendees to experience real-world scenarios.

In the second workshop, Ms. Ebtisam Alharthi, Ms. Fatimah Alshehri, and Ms. Haya Alqahtani took the stage, bringing a new dimension to the series with their focus on sight translation. They dissected the challenges and strategies of this demanding skill, illustrating how to translate text on the spot with accuracy and agility. This session was particularly engaging, with live demonstrations and hands-on practice sessions where participants were encouraged to apply the techniques in real-time.

The third workshop, expertly conducted by Ms. Reem Alshahrani, Ms. Reem Alshehri, Ms. Amjad Alharthi, and Ms. Thuryia Asiri, centered on the intricacies of consecutive interpreting. Emphasizing the practical challenges and strategies inherent in this form of interpretation, the session provided attendees with an immersive understanding of its application in real-world scenarios. The speakers elaborated on how this technique is pivotal in diverse settings such as business meetings, legal proceedings, and medical appointments, where clear and effective communication across language barriers is crucial. They detailed effective note-taking methods integral to consecutive interpreting, such as the use of symbols and abbreviations, and the organization of information in a structured manner. Furthermore, they underscored the importance of active listening skills to accurately capture and relay critical information. These techniques, they stressed, are foundational for any interpreter to effectively translate the speaker’s message in a precise and coherent way, reflecting a key component of their professional training and practice.

The final workshop, led by Mr. Ibrahim Almalki, Mr. Meshari Alharbi, and Ms. Sumaiah Albassami, delved into the intricate world of simultaneous interpreting. . This session specifically concentrated on the essential skills needed for real-time translation, a vital component in fast-paced, diverse linguistic environments such as international conferences and summits. A notable feature of this workshop was the emphasis on whispered interpreting, also known as chuchotage. This segment underscored the remarkable level of adaptability and quick thinking that interpreters must possess to effectively handle various interpreting scenarios, ranging from formal diplomatic meetings to more casual, multi-party discussions. The workshop not only highlighted the technical skills required but also stressed the importance of cultural sensitivity and contextual awareness in delivering accurate and effective interpretation.

The workshops, seamlessly moderated by Dr. Amal Metwally, were more than just instructional sessions; they were a confluence of ideas, skills, and cultures. The MA students, our ambassadors of linguistic excellence, not only showcased their profound understanding and skills in translation and interpretation but also inspired their peers and attendees. Their presentations were a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, making the complex art of translation accessible and engaging.

As these workshops concluded, it was evident that they had fostered a community of aspiring translators and interpreters, united by a passion for languages and cross-cultural communication. The success of these workshops has paved the way for future initiatives, promising to nurture and develop the next generation of translation and interpretation professionals.