Multi-modal simultaneous interpreting teaching: based on situated learning in virtual reality

Abstract

The rapid development of computer and information technology has brought new means of support to teaching of conference interpreting. The foreign language teaching environment created by virtual reality technology provides a visual and immersive experience. However, empirical research on the multi-modal interpreting teaching model based on situated learning is still rare. Aiming at the current situation of interpretation teaching, based on multimodality theory and situated learning theory, this paper puts forward a situated multi-modal simultaneous interpreting teaching model supported by virtual reality technology, and has carried out an experimental simultaneous interpreting teaching among senior translation majors in our university for one semester. It is found that this model can stimulate students’ interest in interpreting learning and improve their interpretation competence for they are involved in authentic interpreting task and environment, thus narrow the gap with interpreting market.