HITI Hosts Introductory Workshop on Departments and Specializations

The Higher Institute of Translation and Interpretation at Damascus University organized an introductory workshop for students interested in applying for admission to the masters of qualification and specialization at HITI.

In her opening remarks, Dean Dr. Nermeen Al Nafra explained that the workshop is geared towards providing holders of university degrees with information about the institute's three departments, which are simultaneous interpretation, text translation, and audiovisual translation in addition to the nature of the master's programmes, along with the personal conditions and requirements needed for each specialization. This helps to ensure that students select an appropriate specialization that aligns with their qualifications and skills. Furthermore, it fosters an understanding of the prospective evolution of each specialization and its potential in the job market.

Dr. Al Nafra highlighted that the institute's master's programmes place a particular emphasis on Arabic and reading in the first year, underscoring the importance for translators to possess proficiency in both Arabic and the foreign language they are specializing in, along with a deep understanding of the cultural context and the target audience.

Mr. Fouad Sandouq, representing the Simultaneous Interpreting Department, proffered counsel to students regarding this particular form of translation, which he described as a skill that is developed through innate talent and the capacity to mentally juggle the processes of listening to one language and producing another through simultaneous interpretation.

Mr. Sandouq highlighted a prevalent misconception among students which implies that simultaneous interpretation is solely a gateway to conference participation and travelling abroad. Those are fascinated only by this glamorous part of the profession. He underscored the significance of creativity in this specialization for a successful career.

Dr. Fouad Khoury, a professor in the Audiovisual and Electronic Translation Department, presented an overview of the essential prerequisites and criteria for pursuing this specialization. He underscored its pivotal role in equipping students with the expertise to excel in two crucial domains, which are the utilization of computers for electronic translation, coupled with the deployment of sophisticated tools and audiovisual translation for television and cinema, especially with the proliferation of dubbing and screen translation companies, in addition to other technologies.

Dr. Khoury emphasized the significance of this specialization in the job market and the imperative for students to cultivate proficiency in computer-related technologies and develop the capacity to articulate themselves orally during the process of dubbing for cinema, television, and video. He also pointed out that the institute is equipped with cutting-edge technology for this type of translation, including dubbing studios and software, as well as the necessary tools for screen translation.

Ms. Elham Mahmoud, a lecturer in the Text Translation Department, offered guidance to students on selecting an appropriate specialization and outlined the essential skills for those interested in pursuing a career in text translation. She emphasized the necessity of linguistic proficiency in both Arabic and the foreign language, as well as the capacity to produce well-structured texts, in order to facilitate the transition to the translation process between languages. Furthermore, she pinpointed the significance of a passion for reading and cultural awareness, which are indispensable elements of a translator's skillset.

Vice Dean, Dr. Mona Baraday, highlighted the importance of the workshop as it is the first of its kind to be organized at HITI, which aimed at introducing the institute's departments and guiding students towards specializations that align with their abilities and qualifications, as well as the opportunities available for each specialization in the job market.