Stress, interpersonal communication and assertiveness training in public service interpreting
Stress, interpersonal communication and assertiveness training in public service interpreting

Author(s): Carmen Toledano Buendía, Laura Aguilera Ávila
Subject(s): Language studies, Language and Literature Studies, Theoretical Linguistics, Philology
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: public service interpreters; stress factors; interpersonal competence; assertiveness
Summary/Abstract: The learning/training required to become a professional interpreter must involve raising awareness and understanding of a set of specific competencies that go beyond just cognitive skills, that is, technical skills or knowledge of the subject. The acquisition and development of behavioural competencies are also needed to manage the different factors that induce stress, as and when they arise.In this chapter we focus on interpersonal communication as a fundamental competency withinthe profession of public service interpreting (PSI). More specifically, we focus on the assertiveness training as a basic tool to improve the interpersonal communication skills of interpreters and to assist them in overcoming the various stress factors that can and do appear in the professional practice of PSI. Firstly, we begin by analysing the factors that may trigger stress for interpreters during interpersonal interactions in PSI. Secondly, we describe an introductory pilot course for public service interpreters aimed at delivering assertiveness training.

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