
Simultaneous Interpreting –Intermediate Level 1
Simultaneous Interpreting –Intermediate Level 1
Introduction
Workshop Leader:
Mazen Alfarhan
Workshop Schedule Date: 24 November 21 - 29 November 21
Workshop Schedule Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Duration: 3 hours
Venue: Penrose House (LAS) Building - Classroom A015
About the Workshop
Overview
A level 2 training, this workshop is designed to train those who have completed level one. The workshop also suits professionals who have an intermediate experience in the interpreting field. It builds on already acquired skills, provides advanced training in simultaneous interpreting techniques and skills.
Structure
The workshop is 100% dedicated to training in simultaneous interpreting, where trainees will be exposed to intensive training so as to develop strategies to solve linguistic and non-linguistic problems they may encounter during the interpreting process.
Day One:
Simultaneous Interpreting (English > Arabic) – group training
Day Two:
Simultaneous Interpreting (Arabic > English) – individual training
Day Three:
Simultaneous Interpreting (English > Arabic) – individual training
Day Four:
Simultaneous Interpreting (Arabic >< English) – group training
Methodology
Training in this level will entirely focus on simultaneous interpreting. Trainees are expected to employ the skills they acquired in the previous level to handle any translation and/or technical issues encountered while in the booth. The guided practice in this workshop will also help them address questions such as:
- Should the interpreter grant priority to sense or style?
- Should the interpreter correct or improve the content of original texts?
- Should interpreters accept work that lies beyond their competence?
Learning Objectives
1. Conduct live simultaneous interpreting exercises using a variety of audio/video texts (and accents);
2. Develop trainees’ skills in simultaneous interpreting;
3. Develop trainees’ confidence inside the interpreting booth;
Learning Outcomes
1. Acquire advanced simultaneous interpreting techniques;
2. Take part in intensive simultaneous interpreting exercises with a variety of accents;
3. Develop strategies to information processing
Target Participants
This workshop targets individuals who have completed level 1 in interpreting skills, and those who have an intermediate experience in the field.
About the Leader/Instructor
Mazen Alfarhan
Expert Reviser and Interpreting Trainer
Mazen Alfarhan joined Hamad Bin Khalifa University in 2013 as a reviser and interpreting trainer. Currently, he is the Acting Director of the Translation and Training Center. With 23 years of unparalleled experience in the fields of translation and interpreting, Mazen has distinguished himself both as a professional and an educator.
Professional Excellence: Mazen interpreted at over 220 high-profile events, providing services to world leaders such as Kofi Annan, Mahathir Mohamad, Pervez Musharraf, Romano Prodi, Javier Solana, and Sergio de Mello. His professional acumen ensures top-tier interpretation, making every event seamless and effective.
Academic Leadership: In the realm of academia, Mazen has a rich history of teaching, having instructed translation at the undergraduate level (2002 to 2008) and conference interpreting at the master’s level (2007 to 2013). As a trainer, he has led 33 training workshops and programs, totaling over 700 hours of instruction between 2013 and 2024. His courses are known for their depth, rigor, and practical application.
Impressive Credentials: Mazen holds two MA degrees—one in Diplomacy from SOAS and another in Translation & Interpreting from Heriot-Watt University. He also has a Graduate Diploma in Arabization and a BA in English, both from Damascus University. His commitment to professional development is ongoing, with additional training from prestigious institutions such as London Metropolitan University, the University of Geneva, and Saint Joseph University.
Public Engagement: Mazen is a familiar voice on Qatar Radio and Qatar TV, where he regularly discusses translation and interpreting issues. His insights are also shared through articles in local newspapers, contributing to public understanding and appreciation of the field.
Awards and Recognition: Mazen’s contributions have earned him three Professional Excellence Awards from Qatar Foundation. His translation of a healthcare interpreting manual, published by Geneva University Hospitals, won the Best Translation Poster award in 2017 from HBKU. Additionally, he is a proud recipient of the Chevening Scholarship and the Said Scholarship.
Mazen Alfarhan’s blend of professional experience, academic leadership, and public engagement makes him a standout figure in the field of translation and interpreting. Join his workshops and programs to learn from the best and elevate your skills to new heights!