Opening virtual class of 2018: Intellectual Property Protection, budgeting principles of the EU, secrets of longevity and happiness

On January 29, a virtual class with experts of the Directorate-General for Interpretation of the European Commission (SCIC) was held at the Caspian High School of Interpreting and Translation. The virtual class was attended by both the first and second years MA students, who delivered their interpretations into the Russian and English languages. For some of them, this class was the first opportunity to try their hand at interpreting as a participant of such a class. Interpreter Michael Somers was an expert on behalf of the European Commission. Mr. Somers delivered a speech on budgeting principles of the European Union and the difficulties faced by the EU in connection with the current economic and political situation and the upcoming changes. The expert also assessed students’ interpreting, helped them to clarify the main shortcomings and made valuable comments. The speakers of Caspian High School of Interpreting and Translation were Olga Egorova dwelling on the protection of intellectual property in general and several interesting cases in particular, and Yulia Ibragimova, making a speech about the blue zones of longevity. The virtual class was dynamic and interesting.  Mr. Michael Somers provided a positive assessment to the students for their interpretations. He gave valuable advice on how young interpreters could continue to improve their skills. Mr. Somers also drew attention to the difficulties for listeners in comprehending an interpretation, caused by inaccuracies in the use of English words. The European Commission expert also set forward more appropriate options of some words and expressions to be used in the context. MA students are grateful for the opportunity to show their worth and look forward to the next class!