Meet interpreters working for the European Institutions

Summary

This video script delves into the world of conference interpreting, highlighting the dynamic and challenging nature of the profession. Interpreters are integral to historical moments, working behind the scenes at institutions like the European Council. They must possess excellent language skills, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure. The script emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and teamwork, with interpreters often starting their careers later in life. The speaker shares their personal journey, from training at 46 to becoming a multilingual interpreter, and encourages those passionate about languages and global affairs to consider this exciting career path.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Interpreters prepare extensively before working in the booth, focusing on politics, current affairs, and economics relevant to their languages.
• 🌐 They follow the news and understand the workings of European institutions to be part of history in the making.
• 🏛️ Interpreters at the European Council witness firsthand the discussions of complex and sensitive issues among heads of state.
• 🌟 The job of an interpreter is exciting due to the variety of topics and the uniqueness of each day's work.
• 🗣️ To excel, interpreters need excellent command of their native language, the ability to think on their feet, and resilience under pressure.
• 💡 Becoming a simultaneous interpreter involves passing a credentialing test and then working alongside experienced colleagues to continue learning.
• 👥 Teamwork is crucial for interpreters, as they rely on each other during high-pressure situations in the booth.
• 👩‍🏫 There's no specific age limit for becoming an interpreter; the speaker started their career change at 46 and found it rewarding.
• 🌐 Interpreters often work with multiple languages and are constantly learning and adding new languages to their repertoire.
• ✈️ The career offers extensive travel opportunities, with interpreters working in various locations globally.
• 💼 UK Nationals will remain eligible to work as freelance interpreters in the future, indicating ongoing opportunities in the field.

Q & A

What are the two types of preparation interpreters generally do before working in the booth?

Interpreters need to know about politics and current affairs of the countries where their languages are spoken, and they need to understand how economics work and how European institutions and the European Parliament function.

How does following the news and different languages help interpreters?

Following the news and understanding different languages allows interpreters to stay informed about global events and discussions, making them part of history in the making and providing a front seat to observe these events.

What is the significance of interpreters being in the European Council?

Interpreters in the European Council are part of defining the priorities of the EU and discussing complex and sensitive issues, allowing them to see behind the scenes in the making of European history.

Why is no two days the same for interpreters?

Interpreters cover a variety of topics, which makes their job exciting and dynamic, ensuring that each day brings new challenges and experiences.

What are the three essential qualities required to be a simultaneous interpreter?

To be a simultaneous interpreter, one needs an excellent command of their native language, the ability to think on their feet, and the capacity to work well under pressure.

How does the real-time translation process work for interpreters?

Interpreters translate in real-time as the speaker is talking, which requires them to be able to think quickly and accurately to convey the message in another language.

What kind of support do interpreters receive from their colleagues?

Interpreters work in teams and rely on each other, especially during high-pressure situations, such as when there are many numbers to write down or when the speaker is particularly fast or difficult.

What is the value of working alongside experienced colleagues for new interpreters?

Working with experienced colleagues allows new interpreters to learn continuously, as the more experienced team members are always there to help and provide guidance.

Is there an age limit to becoming an interpreter according to the speaker?

There is no specific age limit to becoming an interpreter. The speaker mentions that they trained and accredited at the age of 46, indicating that it can be a career change at any age.

How did the speaker expand their language skills during their career?

The speaker was sent to Poland by the Parliament to practice Polish, which allowed them to take another test and add Polish to their language combination for interpretation work.

What advice does the speaker give to those interested in becoming interpreters?

The speaker advises contacting universities that offer postgraduate interpreting training to get advice, as this was the path they took to start their career in interpreting.