INTERPRETERS IN THE COURTROOMS AS THE KEY PARTICIPANTS AIMED AT REDUCING LANGUAGE BARRIERS IN THE COURSE OF TRIAL- CRITERIA SET FOR IDENTIFICATION OF INTERPRETERS' COMPETENCE

This article explores challenges faced by interpreters in courtrooms where the burden of providing information in a rigorous way and decoding it is on them. An interpreter in a courtroom is considered as the key figure in protection of rights of any person who does not have knowledge of the relevant language. Interpreter in a courtroom acts as a mediator and provides assistance aimed at eradicating communication barriers. By contrast, very little is known what concrete requirements except holding a university degree in "Interpreting" towards potential candidates who are to be involved in interpreting activities in courtrooms should be applied in Russia; the practice of establishing competence demands is very differentiated when compared with the English system. In addition to all above mentioned tasks, this paper gives details regarding peculiarities in applied terminology in court proceeding based on some cases having been handled in Russian federal courts involving foreign citizens. Various types of problems in the interpretations have been analyzed using different techniques and methods. Among the key findings are significantly higher number of interpreting problems and decline in interpreting performance in so-called judicial interpreting activities. The clear understanding of above mentioned issues may help to improve the quality of interpreting activities in a courtroom. It will prompt creation of special teaching facilities or associations in collaboration with universities and higher educational establishments aimed at educating students and graduates of translation and interpreting programs, thereby by developing a trained work force for Russian courts.