A Practice Report On The Roles Of A Liaison Interpreter–Based On Interpreting Practice For 2018 Seminar For Judges Of African Countries

Recent years have seen an exponential rise in the number of China-aid training programmes,the scope ranging from diplomacy,sports,agriculture,business,law,etc.As an indispensable part,liaison interpreters have contributed substantially to the success of these programmes,and their roles merit attention.From September 5 to September 20,2018,the author worked as a liaison interpreter for the 2018 Seminar for Judges of African Countries.The seminar was among China-aid training programmes and aimed to promote the judicial exchanges between China and Africa.The author's participation and service during the 16 days not only helped him gain a glimpse of legal knowledge,but also prompted him to see the roles of a liaison interpreter in a new light.Based on his hands-on experience for the seminar,the author offers a case study in a tentative attempt to examine the roles of a liaison interpreter,arguing that the liaison interpreter is a programme coordinator,cultural connecter and above all,trust builder.Moreover,to add weight to his argument,the author uses the role space model to recount how the liaison interpreter could enact multiple roles in different interpreting activities.Having honed his interpreting skills and built up confidence from this practice,the author hopes that the report can come in handy for those who aspire to be a liaison interpreter or who are interested in China-aid training programmes.