c







Interpreting - simultaneous, consecutive and whispering - is considered
to be the most difficult type of translation. To achieve great results in
this domain, an interpreter is expected to (a) have a high level of
competence in different areas, (b) understand and critically analyze the
translated information, (c) know how to highlight the key elements in
the text, (d) constantly enrich their professional vocabulary, etc. The
personal features of an interpreter - such as a quick reaction, clear
articulation, and bright mind - are also of great importance.

The most essential interpretation tips are as follows:

a
n advance familiarize yourself with the topic of the speech


ote down main points of the speech - it'll help you when interpreting

ranslate and clarify the meaning of special terms and key words
prior to interpreting

stablish friendly relations between you and the speaker at a
consecutive translation

emember to pronounce words distinctly and clearly

roduce a brief summary at the end of the speech - it helps to clarify
conclusions.


eact quickly and be ready to work under pressure
u
njoy what you are doing, there won't be a second chance

ransmit a clear message to the target audience

In order to understand Interpreting properly, it is important to realize

that it is an invisible, mental process of language and thought
processing, which implies various abilities and knowledge mastery,
namely:

COGNITIVE ASPECTS THE INTERPRETER MASTERS WHEN SHE OR HE

MASTERS HOW TO INTERPRET

* Knowledge of source language

* Knowledge of target language

* Knowledge of the theme being treated

OTHER COGNITIVE AND ATTITUDINAL ASPECTS TO BE MASTERED:

* Knowledge of the cultures and idiosyncrasies involved

* Psychological self control and stress assimilation

* Good interpersonal and social communication abilities





A mistake beginners often make is to turn the volume up too high in

their earphones for fear of missing something. They forget that it is
important also for them to hear their own voice because if they do not,
they will not finish their sentences properly or polish their delivery. The
balance between the volume of the sound in your earphones and the
sound of your voice is a very personal matter. Practice with the volume
as low as possible. The louder the volume in your earphones, the louder
you will speak and there is nothing worse than a booming interpreter
who can be heard in the background on all channels.

Before you start, too, have a look at the list of participants if there is one
(if not, look at the report of the last meeting where there will probably be
one) to see if there are any difficult-to-pronounce names, or any English
names you may not recognize in the mouth of a French, Spanish or
Russian speaker.

 

A word about your level of animation. Try to adopt the same level of
animation as the speaker you are interpreting. Do not go to the extreme,
a dead-pan monotonous voice, however accurate the interpretation is not
pleasant to listen to and tends to send the delegates to sleep, especially
after lunch.

 !!"
#$%

Some people do not have the knack of public speaking: they mumble or
gabble their words. Everybody has heard and had difficulty
understanding speakers like these in their own language too. The more
practice you can get listening to speakers like this the better. Working in
booths other than the English, you will need practice too to understand
the different types of accent and imperfect English you will have to
interpret - delegates from Brazil, the Middle East, Japan, Norway, often
Germany, Czechoslovakia as well as India, Pakistan and some African
countries often have to use English instead of their own language.
Practice makes perfect.

Remember that you must not try to improve on what the speaker says.
Even if it seems to you that he is talking nonsense and you think you
could do better. He may be being deliberately vague, playing for time,
awaiting telephone instructions from his capital; in any case you cannot
know the tactics, the strategies that may be at play. All you are asked to
do is to interpret accurately and to respect the register of the speaker.