Interpreter Training (Part 1)

Summary

This video highlights the importance of a professional interpreter in overcoming language barriers. It showcases common mistakes by untrained interpreters and demonstrates proper interpreting techniques. Key points include the importance of first-person interpretation to avoid confusion, sitting positions to reduce distraction, and avoiding side conversations. The video emphasizes that interpreters should never add, omit, or substitute any part of the message, as this compromises accuracy. Proper interpretation ensures transparent communication, allowing the focus to remain on the conversation between the parties involved.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The presence of a professional interpreter is crucial when there is a language barrier, as they ensure smooth communication.
• 👥 A good interpreter acts as a conduit for the conversation, becoming transparent and minimizing distractions.
• 🙅‍♀️ Untrained interpreters can make mistakes that hinder the flow of communication, whereas trained professionals follow proper techniques.
• 👂 An interpreter should always sit slightly behind and to the side of the target language speaker to emphasize the conversation rather than themselves.
• 💬 Interpreters should always interpret in the first person to reduce confusion and convey a more accurate message.
• 📝 Adding, omitting, or altering any part of the message is unacceptable, as it may change the meaning or intent of the communication.
• ❌ Side conversations between the interpreter and one of the parties should be rare and never exclude the other person.
• 🔍 Ensuring everything is interpreted maintains professional boundaries and prevents suspicion or confusion.
• ❗ The interpreter's role is to facilitate clear, unbiased communication without inserting personal opinions or unnecessary details.
• 🔄 Proper interpreting technique involves translating everything, even if it seems redundant or irrelevant, to preserve the integrity of the conversation.

Q & A

What is the role of a professional interpreter in communication?

A professional interpreter facilitates unobstructed communication, acting as a conduit for the conversation and becoming transparent, allowing the parties to engage directly with each other.

Why should an interpreter sit slightly behind the target language speaker?

Sitting slightly behind the target language speaker emphasizes the message rather than the interpreter, reducing distractions and enabling the speaker and listener to focus on each other.

What is the significance of interpreting in the first person?

Interpreting in the first person is crucial because it allows the interpreter to become transparent, conveys the message more accurately, and reduces confusion related to third-person language.

What was the initial mistake made by the untrained interpreter in the video?

The untrained interpreter incorrectly relayed the speaker's questions and responses in third person, which added confusion and made the interpreter the focus instead of the conversation.

How did the professional interpreter handle the situation differently in the video?

The professional interpreter used the first person when interpreting, directly relaying the conversation between the parties, allowing the message to flow clearly without unnecessary third-party references.

What should an interpreter avoid when interpreting a message?

An interpreter should avoid adding, omitting, or substituting any part of the message, even if it seems irrelevant or redundant, to maintain the integrity and intent of the original message.

Why is it important for interpreters to avoid side conversations?

Side conversations can create suspicion, confusion, and a lack of transparency. Interpreting everything ensures that the professional boundaries are maintained and all parties are equally informed.

What was the conflict discussed between Mr. Sanchez and the interpreter?

The conflict involved Mr. Sanchez's son, Lis, who had an injury to his eye. The professional interpreter conveyed concerns about the injury and discussed details of a fight that occurred on the school bus.

What mistake did the untrained interpreter make regarding Mr. Sanchez's son's injury?

The untrained interpreter added unnecessary explanations and switched between third-person and first-person perspectives, leading to confusion and a less accurate interpretation of the message.

Why is it important for interpreters to not exclude any part of the conversation?

Excluding parts of the conversation can change the intent or meaning of the message and may omit critical information, potentially altering the outcome of the communication.