An Exceptional Experience and Distinguished Collaboration Between the International University and Octagon
With academic and professional participation from both inside and outside the International University, a simultaneous interpretation simulation workshop was held on June 7–8 at the Ali Khalifa Al-Zaidi Scout Leader Hall. The workshop was jointly organized by the English Language and Global Communication Program and Octagon Company, attracting a distinguished audience from within and beyond the university.
The workshop was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Dr. Mohammed Ben Salem, the Director of the English Language and Global Communication Program, Dr. Khadija Bouaroush, several faculty members from the program, and the event coordinator, Ms. Esaad Othman. We were also delighted to welcome a number of faculty members from Benghazi University.
The workshop was delivered by the talented trainers Mr. Mohammed Al-Bawandi and Mr. Ahmed Al-Fitouri. It included a theoretical component covering the fundamentals of simultaneous interpretation and the requirements of the profession, alongside interactive sessions where participants’ questions were addressed. The workshop also featured a practical component that enabled attendees to experience real-time interpretation inside a professional interpretation booth, an activity that received great enthusiasm from participants.
The workshop also benefited from valuable contributions by a distinguished group of experts and specialists. Dr. Franca Bodo supervised several practical interpretation exercises into Italian and French and provided participants with valuable feedback and guidance. Dr. Nafea Al-Tashani, an expert in translation studies, shared professional advice and insights, emphasizing the importance of continuously developing linguistic and cultural competencies while adhering to professional ethics.
In addition, the workshop featured an online contribution via Zoom from Ms. Najlaa Al-Kharraz, who shared her professional experience in simultaneous interpretation and her collaboration with Octagon. She described it as an exceptional experience that significantly contributed to her professional development.
The workshop concluded with widespread praise from participants and trainers for its excellent organization and coordination. Attendees expressed their anticipation for further collaborations and partnerships that will continue to provide high-quality educational and professional experiences for students and individuals interested in the field of interpretation and translation.
