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Interpreters spend their days out of their own shoes and in someone else's.
They not only have to be an expert in the languages and the subject matter, but they also have to put their emotions, feelings, ideas and inputs to aside and "act" as the speaker they represent. As intelligent, educated experts, all interpreters have an opinion; however, they cannot express it on the job. Just like an actor, an interpreter will study for their "part" when working a convention or speech.
They research the speaker, the subject, the vocabulary, the style, and the translation services in accordance with the tone and mannerisms. A good speaker will engage the crowd, keep them on their toes, make them laugh (where appropriate of course), and effectively call them to whatever action is required.
If an interpreter cannot take on the role of the speaker and convey not just the words, but the energy, feeling and message, why have the interpreter, or even the speaker for that matter? An effective interpreter will often gain as much admiration from the audience as the speaker him/herself.
Interpreters are often put in awkward positions in many circumstances. Look at the court system. When interpreters are required, they are literally in the middle of the action. If someone is using foul language, slang, derogatory comments, gruesome descriptions, etc, an interpreter must put his/her feelings, values and opinions to the side and convey the exact essence of the speaker. If the interpreter softens words or paraphrases, it changes not just the linguistic meaning, but the underlying meaning and character as well.
As the world shrinks, companies are sending technical experts to work with multinational corporations around the world. Consider an interpreter communicating between to mechanics. Each mechanic is trying to get his point across and the interpreter is the voice for each. There is an issue where neither mechanic can determine the problem. Because the interpreter must also be an expert in the subject matter in order to effectively communicate, often times, he/she could resolve issues and have suggestions or solutions as well, but can't because he/she is just the conduit. Imagine the difficulty of having a resolution, and not discussing it, just keeping the opinion to yourself - it takes a great amount of restraint and professionalism.
So, when thinking of an interpreter, realize that they are masters of their craft in language, but they are also just as masterful in the art of acting. They study the part, keep opinions to themselves, carry out difficult roles, and bring cultures together.
June 01 2009
Translators as Actors: A Voice Without a Voice - Global View June 2009
Interpreters spend their days out of their own shoes and in someone else's.
They not only have to be an expert in the languages and the subject matter, but they also have to put their emotions, feelings, ideas and inputs to aside and "act" as the speaker they represent. As intelligent, educated experts, all interpreters have an opinion; however, they cannot express it on the job. Just like an actor, an interpreter will study for their "part" when working a convention or speech.
They research the speaker, the subject, the vocabulary, the style, and the translation services in accordance with the tone and mannerisms. A good speaker will engage the crowd, keep them on their toes, make them laugh (where appropriate of course), and effectively call them to whatever action is required.
If an interpreter cannot take on the role of the speaker and convey not just the words, but the energy, feeling and message, why have the interpreter, or even the speaker for that matter? An effective interpreter will often gain as much admiration from the audience as the speaker him/herself.
Interpreters are often put in awkward positions in many circumstances. Look at the court system. When interpreters are required, they are literally in the middle of the action. If someone is using foul language, slang, derogatory comments, gruesome descriptions, etc, an interpreter must put his/her feelings, values and opinions to the side and convey the exact essence of the speaker. If the interpreter softens words or paraphrases, it changes not just the linguistic meaning, but the underlying meaning and character as well.
As the world shrinks, companies are sending technical experts to work with multinational corporations around the world. Consider an interpreter communicating between to mechanics. Each mechanic is trying to get his point across and the interpreter is the voice for each. There is an issue where neither mechanic can determine the problem. Because the interpreter must also be an expert in the subject matter in order to effectively communicate, often times, he/she could resolve issues and have suggestions or solutions as well, but can't because he/she is just the conduit. Imagine the difficulty of having a resolution, and not discussing it, just keeping the opinion to yourself - it takes a great amount of restraint and professionalism.
So, when thinking of an interpreter, realize that they are masters of their craft in language, but they are also just as masterful in the art of acting. They study the part, keep opinions to themselves, carry out difficult roles, and bring cultures together.
