Training and education for Chinese interpreters : programs and certifications

Abstract

Amidst a globalizing world and China’s burgeoning economic influence, there is a heightened demand for skilled Chinese interpreters. This study examines the educational pathways and professional qualifications that most Chinese interpreters navigate to achieve professional status. Following the inception of the United Nations Training Program for Interpreters and Translations in 1979, which introduced conference interpreting to China, the country has witnessed a boom in Translation and Interpreting (T&I) education. Currently, there are more than 300 undergraduate and over 300 master’s programs dedicated to T&I across China. This article evaluates the evolution of interpreting training curricula and discusses the China Aptitude Test for Translators and Interpreters (CATTI), which serves as the national standard for certifying translators and interpreters. Furthermore, it provides an overview of published interpreting research in China. The article concludes by addressing the current challenges and prospective advancements in interpreter training.