Professor
As a high-school exchange student in France, Julie Johnson experienced the distress of getting off the plane and hardly understanding a word. By the end of that year, she had earned her baccalauréat French secondary degree with honors.
She went on to study international relations and French at University of California, Davis. On a social-justice learning trip to Cuernavaca, Mexico she experienced interpreted communication first hand and was captivated: the interpreter was absolutely pivotal and yet a fly on the wall, able to observe and learn. This greatly appealed to Julie as both a livelihood and way of being in the world.
After another stint in France, Julie earned a Masters in French Translation and Interpretation here at the Middlebury Institute, and has worked as a professional translator and interpreter ever since. She primarily interprets for executive seminars, governmental missions and legal proceedings; translates legal, financial, and technical documents; and offers trainings for court interpreters and government linguists.
Julie also started teaching at the Institute and serving on the boards of the Northern California Translators Association and the American Translator’s Association. In 2009, she undertook a doctorate in Learning and Instruction at University of San Francisco as a way of further underpinning and enriching her teaching practice. In 2014 she received the Leslie Eliason Excellence in Teaching Award.
TIAG 8520
Mindfulness for InterpretersCourse Description
The primary purpose of this course is to support student interpreters by helping them develop some of the general cognitive and affective abilities that underlie interpreting. These include the ability to focus, sustain, and shift one’s attention, to be at once alert and relaxed, and to handle internal distractors like performance anxiety and self-criticism.
The course, however, is open to all MIIS students. It does not involve any interpreting-like tasks, but rather builds these abilities through practice at simply paying attention in the present moment on purpose and non-judgmentally.
Terms Taught
TIAG 8698
Directed StudyCourse Description
Terms Taught
TIFR 8501
Intro to Interp into EnglishCourse Description
Introduction to Interpretation into English
This course applies the fundamental principles and techniques of consecutive interpretation to interpreting from French into English. Emphasis is placed on active listening and concentration skills, memory, the ability to abstract information for subsequent recall, and the basic elements of notetaking.
The objectives are to become proficient at understanding and analyzing a message in French and conveying it in English in a straightforward and clear manner, as well as to hone one’s public speaking skills. By the end of the course, students are able to interpret extemporaneous passages 3 to 5 minutes in length on topics from daily life, current events, and the media.
Class activities include developing and delivering short speeches in French; interpreting each other’s speeches into English, both just from memory and with notes; guidance on consecutive notetaking techniques for effectively processing, retaining, and rendering what has been said; and feedback and discussion on accuracy, completeness, and effective delivery.
Assessment will include in-class practice, homework assignments, one or more midterm exams and a final exam.
Terms Taught
TIFR 8511
Intro to Trans into EnglishCourse Description
Introduction to Translation into English
Applies the basic translation theory and principles to written translation from French into English. Students will learn to apply translation theory, principles, methods to a variety text types for different purposes; determine what quality means for any particular translation; assess which technologies and tools to employ; establish effective translation processes and habits; identify, analyze, and resolve translation problems; and edit and proof their work.
Activities will include translation assignments and revisions, feedback discussions, readings, and reflective practice for continuous improvement. Assessment will include graded translation assignments and at least one midterm exam and one final exam.
Terms Taught
TIFR 8513
Intro Sight Trans to EnglishCourse Description
Introduces students to the uses, principles, and techniques of sight translation, and specifically develops sight translation skills French into English. Exercises and techniques will be modeled and practiced in class, then reinforced through group and individual practice outside of class. Texts will cover a variety of topics and current events that build and broaden students’ knowledge and vocabulary. Assessments will include at least one midterm and one final exam in which students briefly analyze then sight translate a general-language text approximately one-page in length.
Terms Taught
TIFR 8521 Current
Intrm Translation to EnglishCourse Description
Builds on the theoretical and practical foundation laid in Introduction to Translation and introduces the translation of specialized subject matter. Depending upon the language program in which they are enrolled, students will be expected to acquire and demonstrate basic proficiency in the sight and written translation of either commercial and economic texts, legal texts, or scientific and technical texts. The amount of emphasis accorded to a particular topic will depend on the specific professional requirements of each language program. Course assignments will include readings, research, presentations, practice and graded exercises in sight translation, and practice and graded written translation assignments, including exercises in speed translation. Students will also be expected to take at least one midterm and one final exam. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are largely at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Translation or equivalent background.
Terms Taught
TIFR 8527 Current
Intrm Intrp-Siml into EnglishCourse Description
Intermediate Interpretation – Consecutive and Simultaneous
Builds on the practical and theoretical foundation laid in Introduction to Interpretation. Consists of both language-specific and joint sessions with other language programs.
In consecutive, students learn to identify the implicit structural organization of an extemporaneous speech by presenting and interpreting speeches of this type. Reinforces ability to perceive essential meaning and further develops note-taking techniques. Emphasizes clarity of expression, correct style and grammar, proper diction, and polished presentation. Students also expand their active vocabulary to include the terms and idioms that frequently occur in extemporaneous speeches. At the end of the course, students are able to interpret passages that are delivered extemporaneously, are of moderate difficulty, and are derived from professional settings. These passages vary from one to several paragraphs in length depending upon language combination, direction, and source content.
In simultaneous, students are introduced to basic strategies of interpreting in this mode in the booth. Begins with a general introduction and follows up with a series of preparatory exercises helping students develop the concentration necessary for listening and speaking at the same time, mastering voice management, and acquiring smooth delivery techniques. Students learn to analyze discourse for meaning while rendering a coherent version in the TL with correct grammar, diction and style. At the end of the course, students are able to interpret passages that are between eight and ten minutes in length.
Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with some emphasis placed on business and economics. Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Course prerequisites: Introduction to Interpretation or the equivalent
Terms Taught
TIFR 8635
Adv Intrp I Consc into EnglishCourse Description
Advanced Interpretation I Consecutive into English
This is the first of two complementary courses designed to bring interpretation knowledge and skills up to the professional level. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the first-year interpretation courses to produce interpretations that would be of acceptable quality in a professional setting. Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with emphasis placed on business, economics, science, technology, and other topics congruent with current market demand for interpretation in the language combination in question. Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment.
In consecutive interpretation, students prepare by researching topics before each session, with emphasis on sequential logic in notetaking and accurate terminology in delivery. Students continue to hone their skills by diagnosing and correcting problems at all stages from listening through delivery, while progressing to increasingly difficult and challenging material. In simultaneous interpretation, the techniques learned in the previous semester are consolidated, which enables students to polish their delivery and language register. Focuses on nuance of meaning, accuracy of interpretation, research and preparation for conferences, and glossary development. Special attention is given to maintaining concentration while under significant psychological stress. Students learn to recognize SL discourse patterns and render them effectively in TL.
At the end of the course, students are able to interpret difficult passages that are derived from professional settings. In consecutive, students are able to interpret passages up to several paragraphs in length. In simultaneous interpretation, students are able to interpret passages that are between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Terms Taught
TIFR 8637
Adv Intrp I Simul into EnglishCourse Description
Advanced Interpretation I Simultaneous into English
This is the first of two complementary courses designed to bring interpretation knowledge and skills up to the professional level. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the first-year interpretation courses to produce interpretations that would be of acceptable quality in a professional setting. Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with emphasis placed on business, economics, science, technology, and other topics congruent with current market demand for interpretation in the language combination in question. Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment.
In consecutive interpretation, students prepare by researching topics before each session, with emphasis on sequential logic in notetaking and accurate terminology in delivery. Students continue to hone their skills by diagnosing and correcting problems at all stages from listening through delivery, while progressing to increasingly difficult and challenging material. In simultaneous interpretation, the techniques learned in the previous semester are consolidated, which enables students to polish their delivery and language register. Focuses on nuance of meaning, accuracy of interpretation, research and preparation for conferences, and glossary development. Special attention is given to maintaining concentration while under significant psychological stress. Students learn to recognize SL discourse patterns and render them effectively in TL.
At the end of the course, students are able to interpret difficult passages that are derived from professional settings. In consecutive, students are able to interpret passages up to several paragraphs in length. In simultaneous interpretation, students are able to interpret passages that are between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Terms Taught
TIFR 8645 Current
Adv Intrp II-Consc to EnglishCourse Description
Advanced Interpretation II – Consecutive and Simultaneous
This course is the counterpart to Advanced Interpretation I. Students are expected to interpret speeches of considerable difficulty and complexity and to cope with the types of challenges that are likely to be encountered in professional settings. Provides final preparation for the Professional Examinations.
In consecutive interpretation, emphasis is placed on both science and technology and political rhetoric, requiring particular attention to nuance and tone. Students learn the vernacular of political speeches and other challenging material while sharpening listening, processing, and notetaking functions.
In simultaneous interpretation, advanced instruction is given for difficult speeches. Emphasizes following the logic of complex scientific and technical discourse, and remaining faithful to the style and tone of persuasive political discourse. Students are also introduced to simultaneous interpretation with text. They learn how to draw upon outlines, transcripts, slides and transparencies, and other written materials to enhance the accuracy and completeness of their interpretation. Emphasis is placed on text preparation strategies and efficient use of textual materials while on the air.
Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with emphasis placed on topics congruent with current market demand for interpretation in the relevant language combination(s). Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment.
At the end of the course, students are expected to interpret difficult speeches in professional settings. In consecutive, students are called upon to interpret passages that are several paragraphs in length. In simultaneous, students are able to interpret passages that are between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Course prerequisites: Advanced Interpretation I or the equivalent
Terms Taught
TIFR 8647 Current
Adv Intrp II-Siml into EnglishCourse Description
Advanced Interpretation II – Consecutive and Simultaneous
This course is the counterpart to Advanced Interpretation I. Students are expected to interpret speeches of considerable difficulty and complexity and to cope with the types of challenges that are likely to be encountered in professional settings. Provides final preparation for the Professional Examinations.
In consecutive interpretation, emphasis is placed on both science and technology and political rhetoric, requiring particular attention to nuance and tone. Students learn the vernacular of political speeches and other challenging material while sharpening listening, processing, and notetaking functions.
In simultaneous interpretation, advanced instruction is given for difficult speeches. Emphasizes following the logic of complex scientific and technical discourse, and remaining faithful to the style and tone of persuasive political discourse. Students are also introduced to simultaneous interpretation with text. They learn how to draw upon outlines, transcripts, slides and transparencies, and other written materials to enhance the accuracy and completeness of their interpretation. Emphasis is placed on text preparation strategies and efficient use of textual materials while on the air.
Content on a wide range of topics and current events is interpreted, with emphasis placed on topics congruent with current market demand for interpretation in the relevant language combination(s). Course assignments include readings and research on class topics, presentations, practice, graded exercises, and peer and self-assessment.
At the end of the course, students are expected to interpret difficult speeches in professional settings. In consecutive, students are called upon to interpret passages that are several paragraphs in length. In simultaneous, students are able to interpret passages that are between fifteen and twenty minutes in length. The frequency, nature, and structure of course assignments and examinations are at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.
Course prerequisites: Advanced Interpretation I or the equivalent
Terms Taught
Much of Julie’s current research and activities are motivated by a desire to support students through the difficult and often humbling process of developing professional competence. Along the way she has examined and extended Cognitive Load Theory as it applies to interpreting and other cognitively-demanding performative tasks. In this context, Julie has brought mindfulness training to the curriculum at MIIS, to the Summer Language Schools at Middlebury College, and to the Bread Loaf Orion and Translators conferences.
Professor Johnson has been teaching at the Institute since 1988.
| by Jason Warburg
Conference Interpretation graduate Ioana Lobontiu recently passed the accreditation exam for the European Union (EU) and is looking forward to interpreting for EU institutions as she begins the next phase of her career.
| by Jason Warburg
Middlebury Institute students Andrew Belisle MACI ’23 and Leilani Padilla-Young MATI ’22 both recently passed the notoriously difficult Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination, qualifying them to serve as interpreters in any federal courtroom.
| by Dawnielle Jacobson MAT '14
Translation alumna Dawnielle Jacobson describes how networking, internships, and support from MIIS faculty and staff helped her get started as a freelance translator.
