How the UN Translates Everything in Real-Time

Summary

The video script delves into the world of UN interpreters, revealing the intricacies of real-time translation during UN sessions. It explains the UN's six official languages, the role of interpreters in booths, and the 'relay system' for less common language pairs. The script also highlights the challenges and skills required for this profession, the rarity of certain language pairs, and the rigorous selection process for interpreters. It humorously touches on the interpreters' workload and the importance of their role in global diplomacy.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The UN uses earpieces for diplomats to receive real-time translations during meetings.
• 🔍 The UN has six official languages: Arabic, British English, French, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
• 🏛️ Interpretation booths are located near the meeting rooms, each labeled with their respective language.
• 👥 Each booth must have at least two interpreters, who are native speakers of the language they interpret into.
• 🔄 Interpreters use a 'relay system' for languages not directly covered, interpreting through a common language like English.
• 📚 Interpreters receive advance information about meetings, including subject matter and documents, to prepare for their tasks.
• 🎓 Becoming a UN interpreter is highly competitive, with exams offered every three years and a rigorous selection process.
• 💰 Freelance interpreters at the UN can earn $666 per day, highlighting the high demand and skill required for the role.
• 🕒 Interpreters work in shifts, typically every 20-30 minutes, to maintain focus and accuracy during meetings.
• 🧠 Interpretation is a complex cognitive task, involving not just language processing but also coordination of listening, processing, and speaking.
• 🍽️ The video also promotes a meal delivery service called Factor, emphasizing convenience and healthy eating.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the earpieces used by diplomats at the UN?

The primary function of the earpieces is to provide reliable, real-time translations of every sentence spoken on the UN floor.

How many official languages does the UN have?

The UN has six official languages: Arabic, British English, French, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.

What are the two working languages of the UN’s executive branch?

The two working languages of the UN’s executive branch are English and French.

What does the 'Unknown' option on the earpiece possibly represent?

The 'Unknown' option on the earpiece might represent languages like Simlish, Toddler, or Marshmallow-In-Mouth, though it's not explicitly stated in the script.

Where are the interpretation booths located in the UN meeting rooms?

The interpretation booths are located near the seating areas in the General Assembly and Security Council, each labeled with their respective language.

What is the minimum number of interpreters required in each interpretation booth?

Each interpretation booth must always have at least two interpreters inside.

What is the difference between 'translators' and 'interpreters' in the context of the UN?

In the context of the UN, 'translators' handle written material, while 'interpreters' are responsible for oral translations.

What is the 'relay system' used when a language is not directly covered by a booth?

The 'relay system' involves an interpreter translating the speech into an intermediate language that another interpreter can understand and then translate into the target language.

How many middleman languages are allowed in the UN's relay system?

The UN allows only one middleman language in the relay system to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.

What is required if someone wants to speak a language outside of the six official UN languages?

If someone wants to speak a language outside of the six official UN languages, they must provide an interpreter who can interpret live from their language into one of the six official languages.

What is the approximate daily rate for freelance interpreters at the UN?

Freelance interpreters at the UN make approximately 666 dollars a day.

How often does the UN offer exams for interpreters for each language combination?

The UN offers exams for each language combination roughly every three years.

What is the average speed at which interpreters work?

Interpreters work at about 120 words per minute, which is as fast as an average Biden State of the Union address.

How often do staff interpreters swap out with another interpreter during a meeting?

Staff interpreters swap out with another interpreter every 20-30 minutes during a meeting to avoid mental fatigue.

What is the significance of the first Wednesday in May for interpreters?

The first Wednesday in May is International Interpreters' Day, a day to celebrate and acknowledge the work of interpreters.