Elena de Jongh, Ph.D.

The principal objective of this text is the dissemination of information that will contribute to the preparation of court interpreters. It is divided into two principal sections: theory and practice, structured as two independent units that complement one another and allow for maximum flexibility in the use of the text. Part I provides a synthesis of information regarding court interpreting. The approach is interdisciplinary, dealing with languages in contact, bilingualism, dialectal varieties of language, the interpreting process, and legal issues. Part II contains authentic materials taken from legal cases and adapted for the practice of the various modes of interpretation used in court: sight translation, consecutive, and simultaneous interpretation. Although Spanish/​English is emphasized, the general concepts presented are applicable to other languages. Specifically designed for use in courses on court interpreting, the book has easily been adapted to other interpretation courses, and is a valuable reference for professional interpreters.

This book deserves to become the major text for the training for court interpreters and has much to offer on interpreting in general.