United Nations, A Day in the Life of Real Interpreters

Summary

This video provides an insightful look into the world of interpreters at the United Nations. It features professionals like Diana Dwan Lee Liao and Bridget Andreas-Pearl, who describe the unique challenges and skills required for simultaneous interpretation. Interpreters must not only master languages but also quickly adapt to fast-paced, high-stakes environments. The video also explores the art of interpreting during critical diplomatic meetings, stressing the need for precision, quick thinking, and an understanding of world events. Through personal anecdotes and experiences, the interpreters highlight the blend of technical expertise and artistry involved in their roles.

Takeaways

• 😀 Interpreters at the UN, like Diana Dwan Lee Liao and Bridget Andreas, play a critical role in real-time communication during international meetings and assemblies.
• 😀 Interpreting is distinct from translating; interpreters work in real-time, providing simultaneous interpretation, while translators work with written documents.
• 😀 A good interpreter must be quick, accurate, and coherent, ensuring that their interpretations make sense and capture the original message.
• 😀 Interpreting at the UN involves not only linguistic skills but also a deep understanding of cultural, political, and social contexts, as misinterpretations can have significant consequences.
• 😀 The profession requires more than just knowledge of languages; interpreters also need technical expertise and the ability to think on their feet in high-pressure environments.
• 😀 Interpreters often have a background in music, as the skills needed for both—such as concentration, rhythm, and listening—overlap.
• 😀 The profession can be stressful, especially during politically sensitive or fast-paced situations, where a single mistake can lead to misunderstandings or diplomatic fallout.
• 😀 Interpreting from a booth provides a sense of protection, but many interpreters prefer face-to-face interpretation (bilaterals), where the interaction feels more direct and personal.
• 😀 Interpreters need to be constantly learning and adapting, as language evolves and slang or new expressions emerge that may not be immediately understood.
• 😀 Even in situations where fictitious languages or made-up diplomatic scenarios are involved, interpreters must focus on accuracy and clarity, often under difficult and unusual circumstances.
• 😀 The job of an interpreter is challenging but also fulfilling, as interpreters help bridge communication gaps and facilitate peaceful international dialogue, often without being noticed.

Q & A

What is the main difference between an interpreter and a translator?

An interpreter listens to the speech in one language and conveys it in real-time into another language, often using simultaneous interpretation. A translator, on the other hand, works with written documents, translating text rather than spoken words.

Why do interpreters take pride in their profession?

Interpreters take pride in their profession because it requires quick thinking, the ability to understand and convey meaning in real-time, and the challenge of accurately interpreting complex and fast-paced dialogue.

What makes interpreting at the UN so stressful?

Interpreting at the UN can be stressful because interpreters are conveying someone else's thoughts in real-time, especially in high-pressure situations such as politically charged discussions. Mistakes can lead to miscommunication or diplomatic issues.

What are the characteristics common among interpreters?

Many interpreters share a background in music, as musical training helps with the skill of listening and quickly processing information. Many also have hobbies such as playing musical instruments or being involved in choirs.

What is simultaneous interpretation?

Simultaneous interpretation is when interpreters listen to a speaker in one language and immediately interpret it into another language without delay, often during conferences or live events. This requires quick thinking and accurate real-time translation.

What did Nicole Kidman observe during her visit to the UN interpreters' booth?

Nicole Kidman observed the interpreters at work during a session in the UN. She learned that interpreting requires precision, as getting even one word wrong can disrupt the entire message being conveyed.

Why do some interpreters prefer interpreting in bilateral meetings over larger sessions?

Interpreters often prefer bilateral meetings because they are more personal and intense. They can observe the faces and expressions of the speakers closely, and the timing is tight, requiring quick and precise responses.

What is the fictitious language Matobbin and its origin?

Matobbin is a fictitious language created for a role-play scenario involving a fictional country called Matobbo. It was developed by blending elements of Swahili and Shona at a language institute in England.

What makes an interpreter's job unique compared to other professions like doctors or pilots?

The uniqueness of an interpreter's job lies in its immediate, real-time nature. Like other professions, interpreters receive training, but their work involves spontaneous decision-making and conveying complex information in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.

How do interpreters prepare for the wide variety of topics they might encounter?

Interpreters need to be constantly informed about world events, politics, and global issues. They have to understand not just the language, but also the context, so they can accurately convey what is being said, even when the topic is unpredictable or technical.