Language learning is our priority!
Language learning (acquisition and maintenance) is DG Interpretation's most important professional support area for interpreters.
DG Interpretation defines the interpreters’ language learning priorities annually. They are based on the current language knowledge of staff interpreters, known and expected changes to the language combinations resulting from departures, and gaps identified when assigning interpreters to meetings and the level of satisfaction of interpretation demand per language.
Language acquisition
Passive languages
Passive languages are the languages which an interpreter interprets from. The learning path for adding a passive language depends on the language in question. In certain cases, interpreters can learn a language on their own with a training voucher.
New language courses can be organised for languages which are listed as priority languages on an annual basis if there are enough eligible candidates.
In addition to courses/training vouchers, language learners are entitled to immersion periods in the country where the language in question is spoken. The number and length of such immersion periods depends on the language in question.
Retours
Interpreters can also interpret into a language which is not their native language but of which they have an excellent command.
Video: Retour interpretation - basic principles
The learning path for a retour depends on various individual factors and may include language enhancement courses in preparation for retour training, retour exercises and immersion periods in the country where the language in question is spoken, followed by a test to add the retour to the language combination of the interpreter.
Language maintenance
It is important to provide support to interpreters for them to maintain the excellent language skills they have acquired. For this, DG Interpretation offers language enhancement courses outside Brussels, in the country of a particular language, as well as intensive, mini-intensive and idioms courses or retour maintenance courses and domain-specific courses in different languages.