The classes of the Caspian Higher School of Interpreting and Translation second year MA students with the European Commission interpreter Liam Long

The second year MA students of the Caspian Higher School of Interpreting and Translation had an excellent opportunity to receive valuable advice from the senior interpreter of the European Commission Directorate‑General for Interpretation Liam Long. From the 17th to 19th of October, he held classes where the students carried out consecutive and simultaneous interpreting, wrote their own speeches and acted as speakers. During the classes, such topics as crime and punishment in different countries of the world, the problem of excess weight and ways to combat it, corruption in football, and difficulties in obtaining a visa were discussed. During the practical training, Liam Long gave useful advice on making speeches, the design of the interpretation and its correct evaluation according to the principle “content – presentation – language”. According to the senior interpreter, while commenting on the interpretation, it is important not only to identify mistakes, but also to indicate how serious they are. In addition, he noted the importance of compliance with the logic of interpretation and the ability to analyze perceived information. Liam Long shared his advice on the correct use of note taking: its symbols are intended to mean ideas rather than words. The communication of ideas, the preservation of the structure and logic of speech – this is the key to proper interpretation. Thanks to the practical advice of the European Commission’s interpreter Liam Long, who has been actively cooperating with the Caspian Higher School of Interpreting and Translation since its foundation, the MA students have become closer to the set goal and improved their interpreting skills.