January 2011 Volume 7 Issue 1
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Title
Exploring Professional Attributes of Being a Qualified Chinese Interpreter
in the Field of Exhibition and Convention

Authors
Mu Congjun
Shanghai Maritime University, China
Liu Junlin
Shanghai Institute of Technology, China

Bio:-
Congjun Mu is Professor of English and Applied Linguistics at the College of Foreign Languages at the Shanghai Maritime University in China. His current research interests cover second language writing, applied linguistics, metadiscourse and translation.
Email: congjun.mu@gmail.com

Abstract
There is an assumption that everyone with foreign language competence can interpret, yet some of the existing training programs result in professional interpreting services that are not satisfactory.  The current study aims to explore the professional attributes of a qualified interpreter by analyzing five experienced Chinese interpreters’ interview transcripts which were published online.  Thirteen important attributes of an intepreter have been identified from these data.  To examine these attributes, another three semi-structured interviews were carried out with three professors at higher education institutions.  It was found that such professional attributes as good psychological quality, productive listening comprehension, culture-awareness and effective transfer of non-verbal communication were more important and they were discussed in detail in the paper.  The implications of the research have also been expounded.

Key words: professional attributes, interpreter, exhibition and convention