Interpreter Training (Part 2)

Summary

The transcript involves a tense exchange between an interviewer and a parent accused of hitting his child, Luis. The parent denies the allegations, claiming Luis has a habit of lying and that he was at work during the supposed incident. However, after further questioning, the parent sarcastically admits to hitting the child but quickly retracts the statement, insisting it was not true. Eventually, under pressure, the parent admits to hitting Luis while drunk but claims not to remember much. The scenario highlights the role of interpreters in managing conversations, ensuring clarity, and conveying messages accurately between parties.

Takeaways

• 👁️ The script revolves around a dispute about an injury to Luis' eye, with accusations of lying and physical abuse.
• 🗣️ The interpreter plays a crucial role in clarifying misunderstandings and facilitating communication between parties.
• 🚫 The accused denies the allegations of hitting Luis, claiming to have been at work and suggesting Luis has a history of lying.
• 🧠 It's mentioned that Luis' propensity for lying might be due to brain damage from birth-related breathing problems.
• 👥 The script highlights the importance of including all parties in the conversation to avoid misinformation and ensure accuracy.
• 📢 Interpreters are advised to interject when necessary to manage the flow of conversation and ensure adequate time for interpretation.
• 🤝 The interpreter must replicate the register, style, and tone of the speaker to maintain the integrity of the message and build trust.
• 🚨 The script underscores the legal implications and the interpreter's right to speak with children at school as part of their role.
• 😡 There's a heated confrontation where the accused admits to hitting Luis, but only after being pressed and accused of lying.
• 💡 The script illustrates the challenges interpreters face, such as dealing with difficult accents, mumbling, or speaking quickly, and the need for clear communication.

Q & A

What does the person initially claim happened to Luis' eye?

The person initially claims that some young men hit Luis in the eye.

What did Luis say happened to his eye according to the speaker?

Luis told the speaker at his school that the person came home drunk on Sunday and hit him.

How does the person react to the claim made by Luis?

The person denies the claim, saying it is impossible because they were at work that night.

How does the speaker suggest handling clarifying moments during an interpreting session?

The speaker advises that interpreters should not engage in a clarifying conversation that excludes any party but should interject appropriately to manage the session and allow room for interpretation.

Why does the person believe Luis would lie about being hit?

The person claims that Luis lies frequently, possibly due to brain damage caused by breathing problems when he was born.

What did Luis' brothers say when asked about the incident?

Luis' brothers confirmed the same story, saying that the person hit Luis.

How should interpreters handle situations where speakers do not give pauses for interpretation?

Interpreters should feel free to interject and ask the speakers to pause in order to ensure proper interpretation and reduce the need for summarizing the message.

How does the person respond when told that all the children confirmed the story of Luis being hit?

The person initially responds sarcastically, admitting to hitting a 5-year-old, but then denies it and becomes confrontational.

How does the person finally admit to hitting Luis?

After being pressed, the person finally admits to hitting Luis but claims they were drunk and don’t remember much of the incident.

What advice is given regarding tone and style for interpreters during sessions?

Interpreters are advised to replicate the register, style, and tone of the speaker to avoid confusion and ensure that the message is conveyed accurately and confidently.