Aptitude Test in the Caspian Higher School of Interpreting and Translation and Master Class by Paolo Torrigiani

From September, 30 to October, 4 the MA students of the Caspian Higher School of Interpreting and Translation had an opportunity to participate in the interpretation master class by Paolo Torrigiani, the Head of the Italian Unit of the Directorate- General for Interpretation of the European Commission. Although it was not the first time that the second-year MA students participated in this master class, for the first-year ones it was a real acquaintance with the future profession. They could not only get some useful advice, but also understand the challenges of their future work and how to overcome them. A number of MA students have changed not only their attitudes about future profession, but also about how they should organize their studies in order to develop fully their skills in all kinds of interpreting and translation. During the classes Paolo Torrigiani told students about the peculiarities of the interpreter’s profession, gave examples from his wide experience, advised on how to avoid excessive emotional stress, as well as told the first-year MA students about the principles of note taking in consecutive interpretation.

Paolo Torrigiani has prepared an intensive programme for the second-year students, including simultaneous and consecutive interpretation of speeches on relevant issues. He also focused on the self-education technique, the importance of constant self-development, gave some practical advice on memory technique improvement, teamwork and glossaries compiling. Paolo answered numerous MA students’ questions about interpreter’s note taking technique improvement, stress management during interpreting, voice training for consecutive and simultaneous interpretation, and ethics in this field.

Paolo Torrigiani was a teacher and motivator guiding future interpreters to achieve better results. The master class was preceded by an event that appeared to be a challenge for the first-year MA students — aptitude testing. During this exam Paolo was getting acquainted with each of the MA students. Together with the School trainers, he evaluated their skills, which were extremely important for mastering the profession of an interpreter- foreign and native language skills, memory, analyzing skills, the background knowledge and many others.

Paolo Torrigiani is a true professional in his field. He not only shares his experience with MA students but also teaches them to love their job and move forward constantly, proving by his example that any interpreter never stops learning and developing.

Caspian Higher School of Interpreting and Translation

Photo: Information Policy Department