So you Want to Become a United Nations Interpreter

Summary

Evandro, a conference interpreter, provides an informative overview of the language requirements for aspiring interpreters at the United Nations. He emphasizes the importance of being a native speaker in one of the six official UN languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese. Interpreters are expected to work primarily into their mother tongue and should be proficient in multiple languages, categorized by the ABC system. Evandro explains the concept of 'relay', where a common language is used to bridge the gap when a less commonly understood language is spoken. He also details the working dynamics of interpreters, including the 30-minute shift rotation and the necessity for at least one interpreter with passive Russian or Spanish in the English and French booths at all times. The video is a valuable resource for those considering a career as a UN interpreter, highlighting the linguistic skills and competencies required for the role.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The United Nations has six official languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese.
• 🗣️ UN interpreters typically work into their mother tongue, which is their main active language.
• 🔍 The ABC language classification system is used to categorize interpreters' language proficiency levels.
• 🚫 For English and French interpreters, passive knowledge of Russian or Spanish is essential to minimize relay.
• 🔄 Relay is a system where a common language is used as a bridge when a language is not understood by all team members.
• 📢 English and French interpreters must be able to interpret directly from French, Russian, and Spanish.
• 🔄 Interpreters in Spanish or Russian booths usually work into their respective languages with a passive knowledge of English and French.
• ⏱️ Interpreters in the UN take turns every 30 minutes, ensuring continuous coverage of languages during meetings.
• 🔁 Arabic and Chinese interpreters work non-stop, often using English or French as a relay language for other booths.
• 📈 To work as an interpreter in the UN, it's beneficial to add Russian or Spanish to your language combination if you're an English or French speaker.
• 📚 The video emphasizes the importance of language proficiency and the specific requirements for interpreters in the UN system.

Q & A

What are the six official languages of the United Nations?

The six official languages of the United Nations are English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese.

What is the primary working language for UN interpreters?

UN interpreters are expected to work mostly into their mother tongues, also known as their A language.

What does the ABC language classification system represent?

A languages are the main active languages, usually the mother tongue or principal language of schooling. B languages are foreign languages in which one is fully proficient. C languages are foreign languages one can interpret from but not into.

What is the nonnegotiable requirement for English interpreters in the UN?

English interpreters in the UN must be able to interpret directly from French.

What is the term used for the process where a common language is used to bridge the understanding when a language is not understood?

The term for this process is 'relay'.

Why do the English and French booths need at least one interpreter with passive Russian and one with passive Spanish at all times?

This is to ensure that there is always someone who can interpret directly from these languages, minimizing the need for relay interpretation.

What is the typical duration for which interpreters work before taking a break in the UN system?

Interpreters in the UN system typically work for 30 minutes before taking a break.

What is the difference in the working pattern of Arabic and Chinese interpreters compared to other language booths at the UN?

Arabic and Chinese interpreters work non-stop, either into their mother tongue or into English or French, as they often have to use relay to interpret speeches not in their active language.

Why are there three interpreters staffed in the Arabic and Chinese booths?

Three interpreters are needed to cover the non-stop work and to ensure that there is always coverage for relay interpretation when the delegate speaks Arabic or Chinese.

What is the common practice for interpreters when they are not actively interpreting in their booth?

When not actively interpreting, interpreters take turns and sometimes leave the booth during their breaks to ensure that there is always coverage for the languages they are responsible for.

What advice does Evandro give to aspiring UN interpreters regarding language combinations?

Evandro advises aspiring UN interpreters to add Russian or Spanish to their language combination if they are English or French interpreters, to increase their chances of being considered for work at the UN.

What are some of the resources available for those interested in a career as a UN interpreter?

Those interested can sign up to Evandro's website, follow him on Twitter, or read his articles for more career insights.