Communication Skills & Interpreters Performance: An Investigation of Translation Students Perspective

Abstract

No doubt , There is a relationship between the communication skills and an interpreter's performance. This study aimed to identify the core communication skills required by interpreters, particularly consecutive interpreters, and to explore translation students' attitudes toward the link between these skills and professional interpretation. To achieve these objectives, a descriptive methodology was adopted, utilizing a questionnaire distributed to 16 fourth-level students enrolled in the Translation Program at the University of Science and Technology, Hodeidah. The results demonstrate that several communication competencies are essential for interpreters, namely soft skills, active listening, and body language. The majority of respondents agreed on the interpreter's critical need for flexibility and professional interaction with clients. Furthermore, mentorship from senior translators was deemed vital for novices. The findings also highlight that split-half attention between speech reception and production is imperative, alongside a high demand for punctuality and professional commitment. Regarding speaking skills, there was a consensus that utilizing specialized equipment is unavoidable. While some divergence in opinions occurred regarding specific active listening dimensions, the general consensus strongly indicates that a translator must simultaneously be an excellent listener and speaker. Additionally, students emphasized that an interpreter's intonation must be exceptionally clear to the audience, and acknowledged the core effectiveness of body language during interpretation delivery.