4: Aptitude and Disposition: Learned vs. Nutured Characteristics aof Student Interpreters

Aptitude

the cognitive capacity that contributes to learning a specific skill, usually for work purposes

Innate ability

attributes present at birt

Acquired ability

Attributes that can be enhanced and developed over time

True of False: Currently, there are aptitude tests for signed language interpreting

False

Self-assessment

The process of evaluating one’s own skills, abilities, and performance in a specific area

Research conducted by Timarová and Salaets (2011) showed?

Students who self-selected for the profession were less affected by anxiety during the learning process

Empirical

scientific and experimental

Anecdotal

personal

In line with the CCIE’s accreditation standards, what are accredited interpreting programs are required to

Screen for bilingual skills prior to admission to interpreting skills courses

What does CCIE stand for?

Commission on Collegiate Interpreter Education

Soft Skills

affective (emotional) traits that are not tangible or easily measured

• receptivity to feedback

• growth mindset (versus fixed)

Hard Skills

recognizable and measurable abilities

• visual-motor response time

What soft skills are recognized as important for an interpreter?

• personality

• learning style

• motivation

• cognitive flexibility

• emotional stability

• disposition

Disposition

attitude about learning

• learning styles

• self-directed learning

• constructive thinking

• attitude

• motivation

Combination theory

Interpreting skill acquisition happens as an interaction b/w soft and hard skills

In order for an SLI student to sustain motivation during the program, what characteristics should they develop and nurture?

• positivity

• accept challenges

• solution-oriented

• cop w/stress

• take risks

• communicate

• be assertive

• demonstrate empathy

• tolerate ambiguity daily

What characteristics in SLI students would lead to failure?

• give in to negative thinking

• resisting feedback

• problem-oriented

• poorly managing stress

• isolating or surrounding w/draining, unsupportive people

What hard skills are needed for interpreting?

• Mastery of two languages

• active listening

• linguistic analysis

• register matching

Register

level of formality

Interlocutors

people who are communicating