Remote interpreting as part of interpreter training at Slovak universities
Remote interpreting as part of interpreter training at Slovak universities

Summary/Abstract: Remote interpreting experienced a global surge during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the restrictions that prohibited face-to-face meetings. Although pandemic measures have since been lifted, remote interpreting has remained a relevant and deliberately chosen modality rather than merely an emergency solution. Given its strengthened position on the market, this study examines how translation and interpreting programs at Slovak universities prepare future interpreters for remote interpreting. The data were collected through four focus group interviews and three individual interviews with a total of fifteen university teachers of interpreting courses across all five Slovak universities offering translation and interpreting programs. A thematic analysis of the interviews reveals a lack of systematic approach to remote interpreting training. Remote interpreting is addressed theoretically at two universities and practiced at one, but in each case only superficially, usually as a broader package of interpreting modalities or as a space for experimentation. At the same time, the participants agree that dedicated remote training would benefit students. The findings also outline ways to integrate remote interpreting into existing curricula and identify key challenges, such as the insufficient number of interpreting courses and limited technological resources. Understanding how remote interpreting is currently incorporated into interpreter training in Slovakia can support future improvements to better align education with market needs.

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