A
B
O
U
T

U
S

 

Introduction

The Center for Interpretation and Translation Studies (CITS) was established in 1988 at the University of Hawaii at Manoa within the College of Languages, Linguistics, and Literature. The Center's primary goal is to provide, through theoretically-based academic programs, basic training in interpretation and non-fiction translation. The Center currently offers a Certificate Training program in the summer in translation and interpretation in English in combination with Japanese, Mandarin, and Korean, and will offer certificate programs for other languages when demand is sufficient and qualified instructors are available. Students interested in languages other than those taught in the Certificate Training program should consider the General Skills Training program described below. Currently, CITS does not offer a degree at the graduate or undergraduate level, except as a Liberal Studies major.

Additional objectives of the Center are the development of a research-based training methodology, a teacher training program and interdisciplinary research through links with University-wide resources. CITS also serves the community by acting as a clearinghouse of information on professional resources and practices. It provides the community at large with a broad range of educational opportunities by sponsoring lectures, seminars and workshops.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment and Facilities

Translation students have access to personal computers and software in the computer laboratory. Interpretation students have access to facilities equipped with infrared simultaneous interpretation equipment. CITS also has portable simultaneous equipment. A language lab, professional recording studio and videotaping equipment are also used in simultaneous interpretation training. To view equipment and facilities, click here.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Certificate Training (CT)

The CITS joins five other institutions in the United States currently offering certificates in translation or interpretation. CITS is one of only two institutions in the United States offering training in Mandarin Chinese and Japanese.

The Center for Interpretation and Translation Studies DOES NOT offer language training per se. Prospective students must have already attained a high level of competence in English and one of the other working languages when they apply for admission. For this reason, a screening examination is required of all applicants.

Translator and interpreter studies are characterized by the practice-intensive nature of the training program. Prospective students, therefore, should be prepared to spend many hours of outside practice to perfect in-class instruction and lab-supervised work. Only through practice will students achieve the requisite mastery required for competency-based certification.

Students completing the certificate course requirements will gain a rigorous understanding of translation and interpretation work, accompanied by an appreciation of the complex communication, information processing and sociolinguistic skills which a bilingual intercultural communicator must master for professional work. Students will gain a basic knowledge of professional practice, history, techniques, and standards.

At present, we are offering a six-week intensive certificate training course in the summer. For more information, see SIIT.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)

Interdisciplinary Studies majors can take a concentration in translation and/or interpretation. Students in this program must discuss their plans with the CITS Director. In addition, IS students must do a project in conjunction with an outside advisor.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Courses offered throughout the Year

Certain basic courses are offered during the regular school year that are NOT language-specific and do NOT require an entrance exam. You do NOT have to be a UH student to take the following courses: (Please see Courses Currently Offered)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Admissions

University of Hawai'i Students
Any UH student can register for CITS courses offered during the regular semester. No prerequisites are required (except for IT411 screening exam). Students must pass an exam for the Summer Intensive Interpreter Training.

Other Students
Non-UH students may register for all our courses through the UH Outreach College Tel: (808) 956-8400. You will need to get from us or them the CRN (course registration number) and section number for the course before registering. If a screening exam is required for a certain course, please contact CITS directly before trying to register.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Translation & Interpreting Services

Equipment Rental
CITS can help you better understand what you might need for an upcoming conference, a visiting speaker, etc. Contact CITS for further information on equipment, rental and costs.

Translation needs
Written translations can be confusing and costly. Contact CITS to better understand how to prepare your documents for a translation, how much it might cost, as well as where to find a translator in the language(s) you need. Call or email CITS at Tel: (808) 956-6233 or cits@hawaii.edu.

Interpreter needs
Looking for an oral interpreter for a conference, visiting speaker, group of visitors, legal situation, press conference, etc.? What kind of interpreter do you need? Contact CITS to better understand your needs, where to find an interpreter in the language(s) you need and the probably cost. Call or email CITS at Tel: (808) 956-6233 or cits@hawaii.edu.

Training needs
CITS staff is available to help your organization with training on a number of topics, including but not limited to Language Access, Working with Interpreters, Tips for Successful Translations, Bilingual Staff as Interpreters, Legal Interpreting, and Medical Interpreting. For more information, call or email CITS at Tel: (808) 956-6233 or cits@hawaii.edu.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last Update: March 2009