METM26 presentation

Language learning strategies and exercises: learning from interpreters

Zdenka Ivkovčić, Samobor, Croatia

Learning new languages or improving proficiency in other languages is a lifelong project for language professionals. For some, such as translators and editors, having more languages under their belt increases their income streams or helps them stay competitive in a global market. For others, such as EU interpreters, adding a new language is a necessary career progression. Whatever the reason, most adult language learners face at least one of the following challenges: interference from their mother tongue, reduced memory capacity, fear of making mistakes, tendency to over-analyse grammar or lack of time.

In the first part of the presentation, I will describe eight micro-strategies used during the interpreting process, which language learners can use to overcome some of the above-mentioned challenges and improve their output in the foreign language. Each micro-strategy will be accompanied by examples in English. At the end of the first part, participants will work on handouts with exercises in English to practice these micro-strategies on their own.

In the second part, I will describe two simple exercises used in interpreter training that are equally effective in language learning. Participants will be given short exercises in English to practice in pairs. Both exercises will be monolingual.

This session is designed for language professionals currently learning a new language, wanting to learn a new language in the future, or interested in improving their existing language skills.

About the presenter

Zdenka Ivkovčić is an experienced translator and conference interpreter working from English, Czech and Slovene into Croatian. She is currently working on transforming her passive knowledge of Slovene into active use.