Leire Carbonell Aguero

Professor

Leire Carbonell Aguero
Office
400 Pacific D102
Tel
(831) 647-4177
Email
lcarbonell@middlebury.edu

Prof. Carbonell teaches Simultaneous and Consecutive Interpretation into Spanish. Conference interpretation, together with teaching, is Prof. Carbonell’s passion. She is an active member of the two conference interpretation associations known worldwide (AIIC and TAALS). Included among the international conferences she has worked at as a conference interpreter, are: Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting 7; IUCN, World Conservation Congress; Women and Sport, International Olympic Committee; and the Pacific Rim Security Summit. As part of her work in the Silicon Valley, she has had the opportunity to interpret for companies such as Google, Microsoft, Intel, Cisco Systems, Salesforce, and Adobe. She has also interpreted at conferences in prestigious universities such as Stanford University and Berkeley University. 

Passing the United Nations Competitive Examination for the Spanish booth in 2013 has been her most important achievement as a conference interpreter. Also in 2013 she had one of her favorite professional booth experiences: H.E. Ban Ki-moon, the former United Nations Secretary-General, gave a major address on disarmament and nonproliferation at MIIS. Prof. Carbonell was lucky enough to be invited to be part of the Spanish booth. She teamed up with one of her students and they both interpreted for H.E. Ban Ki-moon in the booth.

Play Video Play

iPad and Apple Pencil Simultaneous Interpretation

Play Video Play

iPad and Apple Pencil Consecutive Interpretation

Courses Taught

Course Description

Facilitates the transition from the classroom to the first professional assignment by offering students a wide range of interpretation experiences. Advanced interpreting students become comfortable with working in settings in which different modes of interpretation are called for and where relay interpretation is the norm. Students provide simultaneous and consecutive interpretation at Middlebury Institute public events and taped conferences, for Institute interdisciplinary courses, and as part of community outreach; they also work intensively together in multilingual practice groups during the semester. Reinforces the concept of reflective practice, requiring students to evaluate their own performance as well as that of their peers. Students are expected to complete an interpretation portfolio.

Terms Taught

Fall 2024 - MIIS, Fall 2025 - MIIS

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Course Description

The main purpose of this course is to prepare students for the UN Language Competitive Examination (LCE). The workshop is targeted to second year T&I students from the Spanish and French program. The workshop will cover the requirements to be called to do the LCE and the format of the exam. Then we will proceed with basic information on the UN to expand our knowledge of the organization (mission, organs, Charter) and we will cover the basic UN webpages for documentation (i.e., UN web TV, UN radio, UN Term). The next part of the workshop will be hands-on; we will hold a series of mock exams simulating the conditions of the LCE and the types of speeches that candidates will face in the LCE. We will mainly focus on speeches from the General Debate of the General Assembly, analyzing their structure, terminology and content. In addition, we will focus on organizing the UN speeches in a methodical manner so students can have a structured way of preparing for the UN LCE exam.

Terms Taught

Spring 2022 - MIIS, MIIS Winter/J Term only, Spring 2023 - MIIS, MIIS Winter/J Term only, Spring 2024 - MIIS, MIIS Winter/J Term only, Spring 2025 - MIIS, MIIS Winter/J Term only

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Course Description

Terms Taught

Fall 2022 - MIIS, Spring 2023 - MIIS

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Course Description

Introduction to Interpretation into Spanish
Introduces students to conference interpretation in general and consecutive interpretation in particular. Lays a foundation for the development of professional skills in consecutive interpretation, emphasizing the ability to understand and analyze a message in the source language (SL) and convey it in the target language (TL) in a straightforward and clear manner. Develops students’ ability to identify, analyze, and paraphrase the meaning in the SL and establish logical relations between its components. Emphasis is placed on active listening and concentration skills, memory, the ability to abstract information for subsequent recall, and basic elements of note-taking. At the end of the course, students are able to interpret extemporaneous passages that are on topics familiar to them and are between three and five minutes in length.

In language-specific sessions and joint sessions with other language programs, students are introduced to the skill of consecutive interpreting in both theory and practice. They practice listening to and repeating the content of passages of increasing length and difficulty. Students hone their public-speaking skills by developing and delivering speeches. Content is interpreted on topics from daily life, current events and the media, and general areas of personal interest to students.

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.

Terms Taught

Fall 2022 - MIIS, Fall 2023 - MIIS, Fall 2024 - MIIS, MIIS T&I Session, Fall 2025 - MIIS

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Course Description

Introduction to Sight Translation into Spanish
Introduces students to the basic theory and practice of sight translation. Students will learn to apply text analysis, text typology, and contrastive analysis of their working languages to identify, analyze, and resolve translation problems while independently developing an efficient and rational approach to the process of translation. The appropriate application of electronic translation tools will also be introduced. Fundamental translation theory will be emphasized at the beginning of the course and will be conveyed in the form of assigned readings, lectures, class discussions, and independent research. In addition, course assignments will include practice and graded exercises in sight translation, utilizing authentic texts drawn from an extensive variety of text categories that include, but are not limited to, current events, general political economy, general legal documents, and scientific and technical topics for general audiences. As the term progresses, student time and effort will increasingly be spent on the preparation and evaluation of written translation assignments. Students will be expected to take at least one midterm exam and one final exam, to be assigned at the discretion of the instructor(s) of record.

Terms Taught

Fall 2022 - MIIS, Fall 2023 - MIIS, Fall 2024 - MIIS, MIIS T&I Session, Fall 2025 - MIIS

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Course 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

Spring 2022 - MIIS, Spring 2023 - MIIS, Spring 2024 - MIIS

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Course 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

Spring 2022 - MIIS, Spring 2023 - MIIS, Spring 2024 - MIIS

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Course Description

Advanced Interpretation I Consecutive into Spanish
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

Fall 2022 - MIIS, Fall 2023 - MIIS, Fall 2024 - MIIS, Fall 2025 - MIIS

View in Course Catalog

Course Description

Advanced Interpretation I Simultaneous into Spanish
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

Fall 2022 - MIIS, Fall 2023 - MIIS, Fall 2024 - MIIS, Fall 2025 - MIIS

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Course Description

Fundamentals of Court Interpreting
This course introduces students to the profession of court interpreting and lays the foundation to help students prepare for the state and federal court interpreter certification exams. Students will become familiar with the standards of practice for court interpreters in the United States, including ethics, courtroom protocols and certification requirements.



In the first part of the course, an interactive lecture format will be used to introduce students to the job market, the laws governing court interpreters, codes of ethics and standards of practice, the U.S. court system, and criminal and civil procedure. Periodic quizzes will be given to assess mastery of content, and in-class exercises will demonstrate the practical implications of the material presented. Throughout the course, students will sight translate typical court documents, both into and out of English, as a means of reinforcing terminology and protocols as well as improving message transfer skills.



For the Consecutive Interpreting component, students will practice interpreting court proceedings, interviews and witness testimony in both informal settings and formal court proceedings. The interpreting will be bidirectional, with English questions and Spanish answers, also reflecting actual practice in the U.S.



For the Simultaneous Interpreting component, students will practice interpreting advisement of rights, opening/closing statements and proceedings involving more than one speaker (motions, witness testimony, etc.). The interpreting will be into Spanish, reflecting actual practice for certification exams.



The standards of national certification exams for court interpreting will be explained and applied throughout the semester so that students will be prepared to take those exams upon graduation.

Terms Taught

Spring 2023 - MIIS

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Course Description

This course builds on the knowledge acquired in TISP 8633, Introduction to Court Interpreting. Students will practice interpreting interviews and witness testimony in both informal settings and formal court proceedings, using role-play scenarios and scripts. They will learn to apply the Code of Ethics that was introduced in TISP 8633 in the real world, and will become more familiar with courtroom protocol. They will also acquire the ability to control turn-taking, learn how to intervene in different situations, and hone their note-taking skills. Each week a new topic will be introduced to help the students learn the specialized terminology of criminal and civil court proceedings. Regional differences in Spanish usage will also be emphasized throughout the exercises. By the end of the semester, students will be able to accurately interpret statements up to 60 words in length and will be ready to take oral certification exams for court interpreters.

Terms Taught

Spring 2024 - MIIS

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Course 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

Spring 2022 - MIIS, Spring 2023 - MIIS, Spring 2024 - MIIS

View in Course Catalog

Course 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

Spring 2022 - MIIS, Spring 2023 - MIIS, Spring 2024 - MIIS

View in Course Catalog

Areas of Interest

My main area of interest in interpretation is international organizations. My research is focused on simultaneous interpretation at the United Nations; most of my time as a researcher is devoted to analyzing speeches delivered at the United Nations and their simultaneous interpretation into Spanish. I also study the terminology used at the United Nations in all of my working languages (Spanish, English and French).

My second area of interest is interpretation in the Information Technology (IT) field. After working more than 15 years in IT conferences, I have become passionate about the work of interpreters in this highly specialized field.

Academic Degrees

  • M.A. in Conference Interpretation (Spanish, English and French) from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, 2003.
  • B.A. in Translation and Interpretation (English) from the University of Alicante with a specialty in Legal Translation and Interpretation, 2000
  • United Nations Competitive Examination, Spanish Booth, 2013
  • Federal Certified Interpreter, US, 2012
  • Court Certified Interpreter, State of California, US, 2008
  • Administrative Hearing Interpreter, State of California, US, 2003
  • Sworn English Translator and Interpreter, Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2001

Professor Carbonell Aguero has been teaching at the Institute since 2010.

Publications

Carbonell Aguero, L. (2022). Teaching English-Spanish Simultaneous and Consecutive Interpretation During COVID-19. INContext: Studies in Translation and Interculturalism, 2(2).

Carbonell Aguero, L. (2021). Ética en la docencia y en la práctica de nuestra profesión. E. Cerf (Ed.), La ética profesional de intérpretes y traductores (57-74). Tirant Lo Blanch.

Carbonell Aguero, L. (2019). Training Interpretation Students at Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) to Work for International Organizations  CLINA, Vol 3, No. 2.

 

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