Storytelling in Translation and Interpreting Training

The paper discusses the ways of introducing storytelling into the curriculum of university translation training programs. The authors analyze the potential of mock conferences based on storytelling for developing interpreting and intercultural skills and suggest the ways of introducing mock conferences in the curriculum of translator training master program. A survey has been conducted to determine the development level of students’ interpreting competence and their attitude towards storytelling as a tool for mastering translation and interpreting techniques as well as learning culture specific vocabulary. Students’ performance has been assessed using a customized system of quality assessment criteria. The relevance of this study is due to the need to update programs of academic disciplines, which would allow the future interpreters to develop a set of competencies necessary for conference interpreting. The conclusion is made that mock conferences based on storytelling are an effective tool for the development of intercultural communication and interpreting skills.