This first course provides a comprehensive review of the foundations of dialogue interpreting (a.k.a., community interpreting) concepts and techniques, as well as the role of the interpreter in the Canadian context. (If you didn’t know that roles vary from one country to the next, then that’s a sign this course may be for you). We also look at the appropriate uses of each mode, the basic terminology associated with the profession, and the most common settings that interpreters work in. Finally, we spend a lot of time building practical skills in sight translation and consecutive interpreting. (Simultaneous is introduced later in the medical and legal modules.) Whether you are new to interpreting or have been doing it for years but without formal training, there is something in this course for you. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to network with a team of growth-minded and motivated colleagues from across Canada.
Outline
This 10-week, 60-hour program covers the Foundations of Dialogue Interpreting and is offered online using the Microsoft Teams platform. Forty hours are devoted to work in class, and 20 hours - two hours per week - are for individual work, including assignments to be submitted for correction and feedback, and review of classroom materials and activities. This course is a prerequisite for affiliated ones in Interpretation.
Next Session, Registration and Deadlines
Next course: March 4 to May 8, 2025
Registration : Dec. 18 to Feb. 26, 2025
An evaluation is possible before the course and can be arranges throughout the year. Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please note: As we need to verify candidates’ abilities before registration in Foundations in Dialogue Interpreting, if you don't have an ILSAT or CILISAT in French and English, please contact us to arrange a short online assessment with a teacher first. This free test enables us to confirm your abilities in both languages, and your aptitude for interpretation.
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Cost
The cost of registration is $650.
Students who have already taken a course with Sainte-Anne; those 60 years of age or older; and members of our partners – the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia (ATINS); Access Language Services; Alliance Française Halifax; and Spik Simultaneous Interpretation Service; the Nova Scotia Health Authority; the Consortium national de la formation en santé; l’Association des juristes d’expression française de la Nouvelle-Écosse - receive a 10 per cent discount and would pay $585 rather than $650.
Each student will require a textbook for the course, which will cost about $75 Canadian. Students can purchase the book at time of registration and it will be mailed to you before the course.
Eligibility and Pre-Course Requirements
This Interpretation course is open to those who are looking for further training in the field.
As a high level of French is required for this course, anyone wishing to take this class must have a strong command of both of Canada's official languages and have successfully completed the ILSAT or CILISAT language exam in English and French with a minimum of 75 per cent. These exams measure linguistic levels and one’s aptitude for interpretation.
For those without an ILSAT who have passed the online assessment with our teacher to be able to take the course: One of our partners is now offering the possibility of a preparation session and then the opportunity to take the ILSAT test online for the price of $250 + tax. For further information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
It should be noted that ILSAT or CILISAT results may take 4-6 weeks to receive, and that a copy must be sent to the school afterward. In cases where there isn’t enough time before the start of a session, the student can take an informal, 15-minute online assessment with the teacher to determine their abilities. If the result of the interview is positive, the student can take the course with the condition of passing an ILSAT (Interpreter Language & Skills Assessment Tool) or CILISAT (Community Interpreter Language and Interpreting Skills Assessment Tool) before the end of the session.
Completion Requirements
To successfully complete this course and earn a micro-certification and digital badge, students must attain a minimum grade of 70 per cent. The final mark will be based on homework, presentations, role play, simulations and attendance. As regular attendance is necessary, after two absences a point will be deducted for each class missed.
Make-Up Dates
In the event of any cancelled classes, a make-up one will be held. Students will be consulted and informed in advance of an alternate date.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
With our recognition of prior learning (RPL), you can validate the Foundations in Dialogue Interpreting course and obtain your micro-certification badge, just as if you had taken the course, but without actually doing so.
How to apply for an RPL?
- Fill in the registration form (in French).
- Attach all necessary supporting documents.
- Send your complete application preferably by e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
What is the RPL content?
Our RPL process for Foundations in Dialogue Interpreting course includes:
- Your ILSAT or CILISAT test results (minimum score of 75% in English and French) – a prerequisite for any RPL application
- A form about the role and ethics of interpreters in Canada
- A consecutive interpretation
- A sight translation
- An interview
