In this webinar, we explore cognitive aspects of public service interpreting. I discuss with the interpreters what working memory is, why it is important for public service interpreting. I also describe how working memory can be studied, and discuss if and how interpreters can improve working memory. I give examples from my research and my own practice.

I also describe the concept of monitoring and how public service interpreters can benefit from understanding and applying the concept in their practice. I show examples of different types of monitoring and show how interpreters use them to contribute to understanding and smoothly support the conversation.

Finally, I approach the theories of expertise and deliberate practice. When exploring these theories, I present the idea of the professional self-concept and discuss with the interpreters how that can change with experience and expertise. Once again, I show examples of how the professional self-concept contributes to how the interpreter handles different situations.

After this webinar, you can give examples of how working memory supports interpreting. You can also explain what monitoring is in interpreting. You are familiar with expertise and deliberate practice, and you strengthen your own professional self-concept.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the concepts of cognition, working memory, monitoring, expertise, deliberate practice, and professional self-concept in the context of interpreting.

2. Describe the relevance of those concepts to interpreting and interpreter training.

3. Understand ways in which these concepts and related theoretical frameworks can inform interpreter training.