Exploring New Ways in Translator and Interpreter Training: A Student Adaptation Perspective

Abstract

This paper presents some preliminary results of the pandemic-driven emergency shift to online teaching undertaken at the Department of Linguistics and Translation Studies of Moscow City University, Russia in the spring semester of the academic year 2019/2020. The study focuses on transition-to-online strategies used by instructors and adaptation levels demonstrated by undergraduate and graduate students taking intermediate and proficiency courses in translation and interpreting. It is argued that two major factors contribute to successful student adaptation under stressful circumstances of coronavirus- instigated disruptions: motivation and community involvement.