So you Want to Become a United Nations Interpreter

Summary

Evandro, a conference interpreter, provides an informative overview of the language requirements for aspiring interpreters at the United Nations. He emphasizes the importance of being a native speaker in one of the six official UN languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese. Interpreters are expected to work primarily into their mother tongue and should be proficient in multiple languages, categorized by the ABC system. Evandro explains the concept of 'relay', where a common language is used to bridge the gap when a less commonly understood language is spoken. He also details the working dynamics of interpreters, including the 30-minute shift rotation and the necessity for at least one interpreter with passive Russian or Spanish in the English and French booths at all times. The video is a valuable resource for those considering a career as a UN interpreter, highlighting the linguistic skills and competencies required for the role.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The United Nations has six official languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese.
• 🗣️ UN interpreters typically work into their mother tongue, which is their main active language.
• 🔍 The ABC language classification system is used to categorize interpreters' language proficiency levels.
• 🚫 For English and French interpreters, passive knowledge of Russian or Spanish is essential to minimize relay.
• 🔄 Relay is a system where a common language is used as a bridge when a language is not understood by all team members.
• 📢 English and French interpreters must be able to interpret directly from French, Russian, and Spanish.
• 🔄 Interpreters in Spanish or Russian booths usually work into their respective languages with a passive knowledge of English and French.
• ⏱️ Interpreters in the UN take turns every 30 minutes, ensuring continuous coverage of languages during meetings.
• 🔁 Arabic and Chinese interpreters work non-stop, often using English or French as a relay language for other booths.
• 📈 To work as an interpreter in the UN, it's beneficial to add Russian or Spanish to your language combination if you're an English or French speaker.
• 📚 The video emphasizes the importance of language proficiency and the specific requirements for interpreters in the UN system.

Q & A

What are the six official languages of the United Nations?

The six official languages of the United Nations are English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese.

What is the primary working language for UN interpreters?

UN interpreters are expected to work mostly into their mother tongues, also known as their A language.

What does the ABC language classification system represent?

A languages are the main active languages, usually the mother tongue or principal language of schooling. B languages are foreign languages in which one is fully proficient. C languages are foreign languages one can interpret from but not into.

What is the nonnegotiable requirement for English interpreters in the UN?

English interpreters in the UN must be able to interpret directly from French.

What is the term used for the process where a common language is used to bridge the understanding when a language is not understood?

The term for this process is 'relay'.

Why do the English and French booths need at least one interpreter with passive Russian and one with passive Spanish at all times?

This is to ensure that there is always someone who can interpret directly from these languages, minimizing the need for relay interpretation.

What is the typical duration for which interpreters work before taking a break in the UN system?

Interpreters in the UN system typically work for 30 minutes before taking a break.

What is the difference in the working pattern of Arabic and Chinese interpreters compared to other language booths at the UN?

Arabic and Chinese interpreters work non-stop, either into their mother tongue or into English or French, as they often have to use relay to interpret speeches not in their active language.

Why are there three interpreters staffed in the Arabic and Chinese booths?

Three interpreters are needed to cover the non-stop work and to ensure that there is always coverage for relay interpretation when the delegate speaks Arabic or Chinese.

What is the common practice for interpreters when they are not actively interpreting in their booth?

When not actively interpreting, interpreters take turns and sometimes leave the booth during their breaks to ensure that there is always coverage for the languages they are responsible for.

What advice does Evandro give to aspiring UN interpreters regarding language combinations?

Evandro advises aspiring UN interpreters to add Russian or Spanish to their language combination if they are English or French interpreters, to increase their chances of being considered for work at the UN.

What are some of the resources available for those interested in a career as a UN interpreter?

Those interested can sign up to Evandro's website, follow him on Twitter, or read his articles for more career insights.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ UN Interpreter Language Requirements

Evandro discusses the language skills necessary for aspiring UN interpreters. He emphasizes the importance of being a native speaker in one of the UN's six official languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese. He also explains the ABC language classification system, where A languages are main active languages, B languages are fully proficient foreign languages, and C languages are understood but not fluently spoken. Evandro outlines the specific passive language requirements for English and French interpreters, which include Russian and Spanish, and notes that interpreters in Spanish or Russian booths need a solid passive knowledge of English and French. The video focuses on the language aspect only, not on admission criteria or academic credentials.

05:01

🕒 UN Interpreting Shifts and Relay System

This paragraph delves into the operational details of UN interpreters' work schedules and the relay system. Interpreters work in shifts, switching every 30 minutes to maintain focus. The schedule is strictly followed to ensure that there is always at least one interpreter capable of interpreting from Russian and one from Spanish in the English and French booths. Evandro further explains the relay system, which is used when a common language is needed to bridge the gap when a language is spoken that not all team members understand. This is particularly relevant for Arabic and Chinese, where interpreters work non-stop and render speeches into English or French for the benefit of other booths. The relay system allows other language booths to work from the translated version in English or French, ensuring that all delegates can understand the proceedings.

Keywords

💡Native Speaker

A native speaker is someone who has grown up speaking a particular language from birth. In the context of UN interpreters, it is emphasized that they should work primarily into their mother tongue, which is their native language. This is important because it ensures the highest level of fluency and accuracy in interpretation.

💡UN Official Languages

UN official languages refer to the six languages that are used for all official UN business: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese. These languages are central to the video's theme as they determine the language requirements for aspiring UN interpreters.

💡ABC Language Classification System

The ABC language classification system is a method used to categorize languages based on proficiency levels. 'A' languages are the main active languages, usually one's mother tongue or primary language of education. 'B' languages are foreign languages in which one is fully proficient, and 'C' languages are those that one understands but may not speak fluently. This system is crucial for understanding the linguistic capabilities required of UN interpreters.

💡Passive Language

A passive language is one that an interpreter can understand but not necessarily speak fluently. In the UN context, it is essential for interpreters to have a passive knowledge of certain languages to facilitate communication between different language groups. For example, an English interpreter must be able to interpret from French, Russian, and Spanish.

💡Relay

Relay is a system used in UN interpretation when a common language known to all members on the team is used as a temporary bridge to understand a language not directly understood by some team members. This concept is illustrated in the video with examples such as when an Arabic or Chinese delegate speaks, and the respective interpreters render the speech into English or French for the benefit of other booths.

💡Bilingual Meetings

Bilingual meetings are sessions where interpretation is provided in two languages only, typically English and French. The video mentions that English or French interpreters without Russian or Spanish may still be called to service such meetings, which are usually short and do not exceed 90 minutes.

💡Interpretation Booth

An interpretation booth is a soundproof room from which interpreters work during UN meetings. The video discusses the composition and operation of these booths, highlighting the importance of having at least one interpreter with passive Russian and one with passive Spanish in the English and French booths at all times.

💡Breaks and Shifts

Interpreters at the UN take regular breaks to maintain concentration and alertness. The video explains that interpreters switch every 30 minutes, with one starting work at the top of the hour and the other taking over at the bottom. This structured approach ensures continuous service and prevents language gaps during meetings.

💡Chief Interpreter

A Chief Interpreter is a senior position within the UN's interpretation services, responsible for overseeing the work of interpreters and ensuring the quality of interpretation. Evandro, the speaker in the video, identifies himself as a Chief Interpreter, which adds credibility to his insights on the language requirements for UN interpreters.

💡Career Insights

Career insights refer to the valuable information and advice provided by Evandro regarding the career path of an interpreter in the UN system. The video serves as a source of career insights for aspiring interpreters, helping them understand the linguistic requirements and how to prepare for a career at the UN.

💡Interpreter Trainer and Mentor

An interpreter trainer and mentor is a professional who guides and trains individuals to become skilled interpreters. Evandro's role as an interpreter trainer and mentor is significant in the video as he shares his expertise and experience to help viewers understand the intricacies of working as an interpreter in the UN.

Highlights

The United Nations has a limited number of official languages, and aspiring interpreters must be native speakers of one of the six: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, or Chinese.

UN interpreters primarily work into their mother tongues, also known as 'A' languages.

The 'ABC' language classification system is used to categorize interpreters' language proficiency levels.

English interpreters in the UN must be able to interpret directly from French, Russian, and Spanish to minimize relay.

The concept of 'relay' is introduced, where a common language is used as a bridge when the floor language is not understood by all interpreters.

For English and French booths, having passive knowledge of Russian or Spanish in addition to English or French is mandatory.

Interpreters in Spanish or Russian booths typically work only into their respective languages and may require passive knowledge of English and French.

Arabic and Chinese interpreters usually work from one foreign language, either English or French, and use a system called 'relay'.

Arabic and Chinese booths are staffed with three interpreters to ensure continuous work and the use of relay when needed.

Interpreters take regular breaks, and the UN system has a strict schedule for these rotations to maintain high-quality interpretation.

Interpreters must be able to respond in case anyone speaks Russian or French, ensuring at least one interpreter with passive Russian and one with passive Spanish is always in the booth.

The importance of adding Russian or Spanish to an interpreter's language combination for English and French booth interpreters is emphasized.

Interpreters may be called to service occasional bilingual meetings in English and French only, especially in short settings.

Interpreters in the UN system work in shifts, with one colleague starting at the top of the hour and the other taking over at the bottom of the hour.

The mechanics of the multilingual UN setup and how UN interpreters work are crucial for aspiring interpreters to understand.

Evandro Magal, a conference interpreter, writer, chief interpreter, interpreter trainer, and mentor, offers career insights and guidance for aspiring UN interpreters.

The linguistic requirements for working as an interpreter in the UN are not as straightforward as one might think, and Evandro provides a comprehensive overview.

Transcripts

hi everyone evandro here today I want to

talk to the aspiring interpreters among

you more specifically to those of you

who say you would love to work as

interpreters in the United Nations

system I want to be sure you understand

what the language requirements are so

you can know for sure whether or not you

qualify in

principle today I'll be focusing on the

language aspect only I will not discuss

admission criteria for freelance or

staff interpreters nor will I talk about

any required academic credentials these

will be the subject of another video for

now let us concentrate on the mechanics

of a multilingual un setup and on how un

interpreters really

work first off the United Nations has a

limited number of official languages so

the first question you got to ask

yourself is this am I a native speaker

of any of the following six languages

English French Spanish Russian Arabic or

Chinese let me stress the notion of

native here in the UN interpreters are

supposed to work mostly into their

mother tongues also known as a

language so if your main active language

is say German Japanese or Portuguese

opportunities in the UN will be limited

for you regardless of how good an

interpreter you are sorry about

that

now what other languages do you offer

and how strong are they please use the

ABC language classification

system a languages are your main active

languages these will usually be your

mother tongue or principal language of

schooling a few people can claim two a

languages B languages are foreign

languages in which you are fully

proficient and comfortable interpreting

from as well as

into C languages are foreign languages

you are comfortable interpreting from

but not into these are languages you

fully understand but don't necessarily

speak

fluently you can claim multiple B and C

languages but be conservative in how you

classify them for work purposes few

people are truly bilingual or Double A's

and not every language you speak will

qualify for use in the

booth

let us now look at which passive

languages are required per booth in the

UN here's where it gets a bit tricky in

the UN any English interpreter must be

able to interpret directly from French

that is nonnegotiable in addition the

English Booth must be able to also work

directly from Russian and Spanish to try

and minimize relay if you don't know

what relay is bear with me a couple of

slides more we'll get to it while

interpreters with all the three

languages do exist they are hard to come

by luckily with two sits in the booth it

is possible to assemble a team where one

colleague has passive French and Russian

and the other one has passive French and

Spanish in that manner a team can be put

together where speeches made in French

Russian or Spanish cannot be rendered

seamlessly into

English the exact same situation is

replicated in the French Booth only here

English must be the common passive

language shared by both interpreters as

in the previous case one of the two

interpreters must also have passive

Russian and the other passive Spanish so

here's another typical feature of the UN

setup unless you have passive command of

either Russian or Spanish in addition to

English or French as the case might be

you will not be useful at a multilingual

un meeting so the take home point for

the English and French boo interpreters

out there is obvious make sure to add

Russian or Spanish to your language

combination if you want to be

considered in the case of Spanish or

Russian booths the requirements are less

demanding As an interpreter in one of

these booths you will be working only

into Spanish or Russian as the case may

be and usually you can get by it with

sound passive knowledge of English and

French only in fact it can even survive

with only one of those languages many

Russian interpreters interpret only from

English now if you're an English or

French interpreter and you don't speak

neither Russian nor Spanish not All Is

Lost You may still be called to service

occasional bilingual meetings in English

and French only in cases where the

meeting is serviced from one single

two-way Booth these are usually short

settings of no more than 90 minutes

beyond that a third colleag will be

required in that scenario there will be

no breaks interpreters will work both

ways for the duration of the

meeting even the extreme concentration

required on the job interpreters need to

take regular breaks to rest and make

sure that they will be fully alert when

they take the microphone again in the UN

system interpreters take turn every 30

minutes and the shifts are governed by

the clock with one colleague starting

work at the top of the hour

say at 10:00 a.m. and the other one

taking over at the bottom of the hour

say at 10:30

a.m. as silly as it sounds this rule

must be observed strictly and here is

why any given point in time during a

conference the English and French booths

need to be able to respond in case

anybody speaks Russian or French with

interpreters taking turns and sometimes

leaving the booth during their breaks

you want to make sure sure that there

will be at least one interpreter with

passive Russian and one with passive

Spanish in the English and French booths

at all times the only way to ensure this

is to have the entire team operate

against one same parameter in this case

the

clock still a bit confusing if you're

dealing with this for the first time I

know but I hope it makes more sense

now moving on to Arabic and Chinese now

and here is where it gets a bit

complicated

for the most part interpreters in the

Arabic or Chinese boooks work only from

one foreign language either English or

French these colleagues will take turns

accordingly and will render into Arabic

or Chinese as the case may be whatever

they hear in English or

French now what happens when the

delegate speaks Arabic or Chinese on the

floor while in that case the Arabic or

Chinese interpreters must work in the

opposite direction render the speech

into English or French for the benefit

of everybody else on the team since no

one else understands those

languages at that moment colleagues in

the other booths will no longer listen

to the delegate directly rather they

will switch their incoming channels to

English or French and will work from the

English or French speech rendered by

their colleagues in the Arabic or

Chinese

booth that is the reason why the Arabic

and Chinese booths are staffed with

three interpreters instead of

too because unlike the other booths

which take a break whenever their

language is in use on the floor the

Arabic and Chinese colleagues work

non-stop either into their mother tongue

or into English or

French now that's the system known as

relay when a common language known to

all members on the team is used as a

temporary Bridge whenever one doesn't

understand the language being spoken on

the floor let us Illustrated using the

Arabic bir as an example again if a

delegate speaks Arabic on the floor the

Arabic interpretors will render that

speech into English for the benefit of

his colleagues in the other booths who

do not understand

Arabic working from that English version

the French Booth will work into French

the Spanish Booth into Spanish the

Russian Booth into Russian and the

Chinese Booth into

Chinese and since the speech is already

being read entered into English by the

colleague in the Arabic Booth the

English Booth interpreters need not work

at this

point the same would be true of French

if the Arabic interpreter were speaking

French

instead while relay is most common

whenever Arabic and Chinese are spoken

the Russian and Spanish booths resort to

it often to depending on the passive

languages of colleagues in those

booths so that pretty much summarizes

the linguistic requirements that one

must be aware of when coming to work for

the UN not as straightforward as one

would think I

gather well I hope to have raised your

awareness about where you need to work

and Which languages you may need to add

in case you're serious about Landing a

job with the UN As an

interpreter for more suchar career

insights sign up to my website follow me

on Twitter or read my articles in

n i Am evandra magal conference

interpreter writer Chief interpreter

interpreter trainer and Mentor I have

walked in your shoes and I can help you

walk in mine thank you for watching feel

free to share