Innovation in Language Learning

A university degree in translation and interpreting involves gaining not only profound theoretical knowledge and a broad set of professional competences, but also awareness of the professional ethics. This paper discusses approaches to involve university students of translation and interpreting in the study of professional ethics through a special course.

The proposed course design is built around the Russian Language Professional’s Code of Ethics developed by a group of translation and interpreting service providers, freelance translators and interpreters, and supported by the Union of Translators of Russia. This Code is widely promoted in social networks where language professionals discuss their real-life situations and practices. The following guiding principles for improving student involvement are identified: 1) associating studying ethical norms with doing practical tasks; 2) translating texts devoted to professional ethics and discussing them in class; 3) discussing real translation and interpreting cases taken from online discussions, such as specialized Facebook public groups.

This paper discusses the design of this course and the experience of delivering it at Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University and Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia in collaboration with the T-Service company and the members of the Expert Committee on the Russian Language Professional’s Code of Ethics. The purpose of the proposed course is to establish a common understanding of the standards of professional behaviour expected by clients and members of the translation industry. The students will be able to apply their skills, make judgments, and make informed decisions in accordance with the Code of Ethics provisions.

Keywords: translator and interpreter training, translator and interpreter ethics, the Language Professional’s Code of Ethics, teaching translation and interpreting in a university, social network.