This qualification offers the opportunity for students who are speakers of other languages to learn about the roles and responsibilities of the Community Interpreter, understand the settings of their work and name the differences in public service provision between the UK and another country. The students will also understand the dynamics of communities regarding access to public services, recognise some public service terminology and language difficulties which may arise in community interpreting situations.
Additional information about this course
Suffolk Refugee Support users only.
Course aim
The aim is to learn about the role of the Community Interpreter, understand the challenges of their work and ways to overcome them, and recognise some public service terminology and language difficulties which may arise in interpreting assignments.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
- You will need to talk to a member of staff and do a short activity to make sure the course is right for you. For more information and to book an appointment please call 0300 303 3464
- Students need a Level 1 qualification in English to join this course
- You should have an interest in learning about the role of an interpreter, be willing to volunteer as an interpreter and use your bilingual skills in the community
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Recognise key aspects of the work of a community interpreter
- Understand the settings in which a community interpreter works
- Understand the dynamics of communities regarding access to public services
- Understand basic public service terminology and recognise the language difficulties which may arise in a community interpreting situation
- Recognise the differences in public service provision between the UK and another relevant country
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- You will be expected to carry out a range of activities in your own time
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- You will be encouraged to share your work with the group and discuss your learning
- You will be encouraged to consider other students work and give your opinions and suggestions
- A file of work will be kept which will help to record your progress
What else do I need to know?
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
- Please bring a pen, file and paper
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- Your tutor will provide you with a list of relevant websites and other information sources once on the course
What can I do next?
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
- Students will be encouraged to progress to Certa Level 2 Award in Preparation for Work in Community Interpreting or Level 3 Certificate in Community Interpreting
Download full course information sheet
Understanding the Role of a Community Interpreter Certa Level 1







