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| The Role of Interpreters in Avoiding Catastrophic Mishaps |
In this insightful article, we will be trying to explain that much of the answer lies in the skill and training of interpreters, who play a crucial role in overcoming language barriers. But before going deeper into this analysis, let’s have a quick look at the benefits of a bilingual brain:
Benefits of the Bilingual Brain of Interpreters
In today's interconnected world, the ability to speak multiple languages is more than just a valuable skill—it’s a powerful tool for cognitive development. The benefits of a bilingual brain extend far beyond simple communication, impacting various aspects of life.
Cognitive Advantages
Enhanced Memory: Bilingual individuals often have better memory retention and recall abilities. The practice of switching between languages strengthens the brain's executive functions, making it easier to store and retrieve information.
Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Speaking multiple languages enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Bilinguals are adept at seeing situations from different perspectives, which helps them come up with creative solutions.
Mental Health Benefits
Delayed Onset of Dementia: Research indicates that bilingualism can delay the onset of dementia and other cognitive decline associated with aging. The mental exercise involved in managing two languages helps maintain brain health.
Better Emotional Regulation: Bilingual individuals often exhibit better emotional regulation. Understanding and expressing emotions in different languages can provide deeper insight into one's feelings and help manage them more effectively.
Academic and Professional Training and the Role of Interpreters
Bilingual students tend to perform better academically. They often excel in subjects that require critical thinking and problem-solving, such as mathematics and science.
Career Opportunities: In the professional world, bilingualism opens up a plethora of career opportunities. Companies value employees who can communicate with international clients and partners, making bilingual candidates highly sought after.
The benefits of a bilingual brain are vast and multifaceted, influencing cognitive abilities, mental health, academic performance, and professional success. In an increasingly globalized society, fostering bilingualism can lead to a richer, more rewarding life.
The Role of Interpreters in Juggling Two Languages at Once
A Diplomatic Incident Due to a Catastrophic Miscommunication:
In 1956, during a diplomatic reception in Moscow, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev told Western ambassadors, "мы похороним тебя." His interpreter rendered this into English as "We will bury you!" This statement shocked the Western world, increasing the tension between the Soviet Union and the US, in the thick of the Cold War. Some believe this incident alone set East-West relations back a decade. Khrushchev’s remark was translated a bit too literally. Given the context, his words should have been rendered as "We will live to see you buried," meaning that Communism would outlast Capitalism, which is a less threatening comment. Though the intended meaning was clarified, the impact of Khrushchev words put the world in a situation that could have led to a nuclear conflict.
Skills and Trainings of Interpreters
Given the complexities of language and cultural exchange, how does this sort of thing not reoccur all the time? The answer lies in the skill and training of interpreters to overcome language barriers.
Historical Facts about Interpretation
For most of history, interpretation was mainly done consecutively, with speakers and interpreters making pauses to allow each other to speak. But after the advancement of radio technology, a new simultaneous interpretation system was developed in the wake of World War II. In a simultaneous mode, interpreters instantaneously translate a speaker’s words into a microphone while he speaks, without pauses. Those in the audience can choose the language in which they want to follow. On the surface, it all looks seamless, but behind the scenes, human interpreters work incessantly to ensure every idea gets across as intended, and that is no easy task.
How Does Interpretation Become a Natural Skill?
It takes about two years of training for already fluent and bilingual interpreter professionals to expand their vocabulary and master the skills necessary to become a conference interpreter. To get used to the unnatural task of speaking while they listen, students shadow speakers, repeating their words exactly as heard in the same language. In time, they begin to paraphrase what is said, making stylistic adjustments as they go. At some point, a second language is introduced. Practicing in this way creates new neural pathways in an interpreter’s brain, and the constant effort of reformulation gradually becomes second nature.
Mastering their Role with Tricks
Over time, and through much hard work, the interpreter masters a vast array of tricks to keep up with speed (he/she has 3 seconds of time to listen and speak out the idea), dealing with challenging terminology, and handling a multitude of foreign accents. They may resort to acronyms to shorten names (modulation technique in translation), choose generics over specifics (equivalence technique), or refer to slides and other visual aids (adaptation technique). They can even leave a term in the original language while they search for the most accurate equivalent (borrowing technique in translation).
Skillful Interpreters
Interpreters are also skilled at maintaining composure in chaotic situations. They have no control over who is going to say what or how articulate the speaker will be. A curveball can be thrown at any time. They often perform for thousands of people in very intimidating settings like the United Nations General Assembly. The 2010 Audience at the UN Assembly will always remember how the Speaker's phrase "...This issue is not controversial..." was translated into Arabic "هذه المسألة لا تنتطح فيها عنزتان". The Secretary General of the UN had to shout out before the Audience: "هو احنا في عزبة", "Hey Mr. Interpreter, are we in a Farm?
To keep their emotions in check, skilled interpreters carefully prepare for an assignment, building glossaries in advance, reading voraciously about the subject matter, and reviewing previous talks on the topic. Finally, interpreters work in pairs: while one colleague is busy translating incoming speeches in real time, the other provides support by locating documents, looking up words, and tracking information. Because simultaneous interpretation requires intense concentration, every 30 minutes the pair switches roles. Success is heavily dependent on skillful collaboration.
Bottom Line of the Role of Interpreters
Language is complex; when abstract or newer concepts get lost in translation, the consequences may be catastrophic. As Margaret Atwood famously noted: "War is what happens when language fails." The major role of Interpreters in Conferences is to be acutely aware of this and work diligently behind the scenes to ensure speeches never incite wars.
Special Note from the Learning Content Writer
This site was initially dedicated to my late father Amine Al-Salti, who always encouraged me to read (not just in French!), learn, and write about translation and linguistics. Today, I wish to honor my beloved uncle, Fathi Al-Salti, a distinguished global conference interpreter. Throughout his career, he traveled the world interpreting for the UN and its many organizations. His dedication and skill earned him official recognition from the Swiss-based International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC). With deep respect and admiration, I dedicate this article to him—a mentor, coach, and inspiring advisor. Reflecting on life, I've realized that aside from God's blessings, the greatest gift is being surrounded by people who offer you unconditional love. Thank you, Ammo Fathi!