Forming Psychological Competence of Interpreter (Based on Example of Japanese Language)

Introduction.The introduction of a competency-based approach to translator training is supported by the Ukrainian academic community, as this model provides ample opportunities for developing the practical skills and abilities necessary for successful professional translation. The analysis of translationcompetence structure has shown that the lion’s share of it consists of linguistic and paralinguistic knowledge and skills, while the psychological component is hardly distinguished separately. At the same time, the author emphasises the prevalence of high levels of stress and emotional burnout among interpreters. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the role of psychological competence in interpreter training and to determine methodological models and forms of training prospective interpreters (using Japanese as an example). Methods. This article includes a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys to measure levels of emotional burnout and qualitative interviews to explore the specific psychological challenges and training needs of interpreters. Results. The study revealed a rather high level of emotional burnout among current Ukrainian interpreters, especially those with short experience in the profession (for Japanese interpreters). They also acknowledge the lack of such professional skills as stress resistance, emotional self-regulation, constructive behaviour in conflict, the ability to endure uncomfortable conditions, and mastery of business and national Japanese etiquette. Conclusion. The development of psychological competence in future interpreters should be undertaken by higher education institutions. The theory of experiential learning for adults is a promising methodological model for the formation of these components of an interpreter’s psychological competence. As a promising direction in this topic, the question of forming supervision as a model for providing novice interpreters with professional assistance in improving their skills, preventing stress and emotional burnout is raised.