Competences in Public Service Interpreter and Translator Training.

Abstract

Training is a key element in the recognition and execution of any profession. Although translation and interpreting studies became part of Spanish university studies over three decades ago and the profession has progressed in a positive manner, this has not affected all fields of translation and interpreting in the same way. Public service translating and interpreting (PSIT) professionals have not yet achieved full recognition, and without such recognition by society and institutions, PSIT will not progress and dedicated professionals will not be able to achieve their full potential. The aim of this paper is to investigate the importance of transversal and specific competences in PSIT, in order to improve future training in Spain. A survey of translation and interpreting students and professionals in Spain and the United Kingdom was conducted in order to understand to what extent specific competences for professional training are considered important for PSIT professionals.