Module manager: Dr Terry J. Bradford
Email: t.j.bradford@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Successful completion of Level 2 French or at discretion of the module leader.
FREN3070 – Bilingual Liaison Interpreting and (in part) FREN3880 – Introduction to Professional Translation & Interpreting
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides sound grounding in the theory and practice of interpreting. As such, it potentially provides a route into further academic research into interpreting studies, professional practice as an interpreter, or – simply – improved language skills. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
Underpinned by theory from linguistics and interpreting and translation studies, this module gives you the opportunity – through role-play and simulated scenarios – to practise different modes of interpreting (chuchotage, community, business liaison, and sight translation). The aims are to:
expose you to theories pertaining to interpreting;
raise questions of ethics – as well as linguistics;
and to examine what it means to be a professional interpreter.
1. You will acquire knowledge and a deep understanding of different modes of interpreting.
2. You will gain insight into theoretical and critical questions surrounding interpreting, which you will engage with through research.
3. You will develop the ability to reflect on questions – theoretical and ethical – surrounding interpreting.
4. As well as improving your general ability in French, you will – in particular – improve your spoken French (fluency) and on-the-spot adaptability.
5. You will be able to interpret – and to sight-translate – appropriately in a range of professional contexts.
6. You will understand the necessity for research – both linguistic and conceptual – in interpreting.
This is a very hands-on module, as much of its time is devoted to practice through role-play. As well as improving language skills (vocabulary, grammar, register, translation skills, and adaptability), you will grow in confidence and professionalism. Through interpreting, you should also improve your research skills, emotional intelligence, and diplomacy.
Block 1: Sight translation (ST) - Foundations of Interpreting Studies:
Translation techniques, specialist vocabulary, ethics.
Block 2: Community interpreting (CI) - Process, Product, Performance:
Defining CI, preparation, etiquette, advocacy.
Block 3: Business liaison (BL) - Professionalism:
Register, research, note-taking, diplomacy.
Block 4: Chuchotage (Ch) - Back to Basics:
Technique, research.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 | 1 | 9 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Independent online learning hours | 20 | ||
| Private study hours | 160 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
You will be encouraged to engage with online resources provided by way of independent interpreter training (20 hours).
Private study will embrace:
1 Research/preparation for subject-specific role-plays (approx.40 hrs)
2 The theory and practice of interpreting and language skills (approx. 120 hrs)
In Semester 1, you will receive written feedback on a draft essay. Throughout both semesters, on an almost weekly basis, you will receive informal feedback – from the tutor as well as your peers – on role-play performance.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | 2,000 words Peer Observation Report | 50 |
| Presentation | 20 minute Online Role Play and Sight Translation | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 19/08/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team