BECOMING A GOOD INTERPRETER

MATERI KULIAH INTERPRETINGFBS UDINUS

Pengampu: A. Soerjowardhana, M.Pd

-Interpreting- What is translation?• Translation: is concerned with the written

conversion of a text from one language (SL) into another language (TL).

• Translator: a person who writes/ transcribes the message from the source language to the target language.

Types of translation

• While the source text in translation is usually in written form, in some cases it can be recorded material which needs to be translated into the written form.

• Sight translation involves the oral translation of a written source text. Both translators & interpreters may be called on to provide sight translation

Why Interpreting

• When two people cannot communicate with each other because they cannot understand each other due to language difficulties, an interpreter who knows both languages, cultures and customs is used as a go-between to ensure that communication and understanding takes place

What is interpreting?

Interpreting : - is the oral rendering of the meaning of the spoken

word from one language (SL) into another language (TL).

- is reproducing a message from one speaker to another faithfully, accurately & without emotion or personal bias entering into the interpretation.

-is rendering messages without changing the messages’ intent & doing so with uncommon accuracy, while maintaining an attitude of impartiality & neutrality

Interpreter:

• a person who orally renders the message of the SL into the TL.

In the case of sign language, interpreters render the meaning of the spoken word by signing or render the meaning of sign language into the spoken word.

Types of interpretinga. Community interpreting : helping members of a

community, especially immigrants/who speak a minority language (e.g: with doctors, policeman, teachers)

b. Conference interpretingc. Consecutive interpreting : speakers talk for just a

few sentences & then invite interpretation d. Court interpretinge. Liaison interpreting: the interpreter physically

presents in an interview or meeting (e.g: business setting, education & cultural contacts

f. Simultaneous interpreting: carrying on through out the speech, to finish almost at the same as the original

The goal of an Interpreting

The successful transmission of information and meaning to the

satisfaction of the two parties

Stages in the interpreting process

• Preparing Consulting

• Interpreting Consulting (depending on

context)

• Finalizing Consulting

Preparing

• Discussing needs with the client

• Agreeing the mode of interpreting (simultaneous, consecutive)

• Agreeing terms with the client (time, fee, contractual arrangements, etc)

• Finding out the Code of Practice for interpreting

• Negotiating with the speaker(s) in advance, if at all possible

• Gaining access to the text as far in advance as possible & translate it

• Identifying who the audience will be, what their expectations are

• If necessary, finding out more about the subject matter

• If necessary, seeking advice from specialists

• Predicting terminology/expressions likely to arise

Preparing for the interpreting interview

1. Planning

2. The pre-interview

3. Managing the pre –interview

4. The structure of the pre-interview

5. Arranging seating and eliminating external interference

6. Effective introductions

7. Post-interview and Recording, Reporting

Planning

a. Pre-interview with both clients

b. Arranging seating effectively

c. Eliminating external interference

d. Effecting correct introductions

e. Post-interviews with clients & adequate recording and reporting of the interview

The pre-interview

• The purpose of the pre-interview is to:

a. Meet the clients

b. Obtain a thorough knowledge of the substance of the interview

c. Obtain knowledge of what the client wish to achieve in, or to result from the interview.

d. Explain your role as an interpreter & how you wish to operate

e. Begin building trust

f. Anticipate problems (linguistically or emotionally) & mentally prepare strategies to deal with them

g. Anticipate difficult words, expressions, technical terms or cultural values and mentally prepare (consult references & make notes)

Managing the pre-interview

• Gain a thorough understanding of what the clients want to put in the interview, but stop if he/she wants to use you.

The structure of the pre- interview

a. Introduce yourself & explain the purpose of the pre-interview

b. Explain your rolec. Get the factsd. Ask any questions you need to, & field any

questions you are askede. Get an understanding of what the clients wishes to

achieve in the interview, so you are clear what direction to follow

f. Very briefly, verbally sum up what has occurred in the interview.

g. Seek help or advice if you need it

Arranging seating & eliminating external interference

Ensure that:a. You can maintain eye-contact with all the

participantsb. You do not physically “isolate” yourself, or any

other participantc. You move physical “barriers” (desks, chairs, etc)d. As much as you can control, no one has a position

of physical “superiority” in the interview settinge. You anticipate problems where the interpretation

will be in a difficult or unusual place (e.g: next to a hospital bed, etc)

Effective introductions

• Ensure that you introduce your clients and yourself to both

• Ensure that you introduce yourself by name, not simply as “the interpreter”

• When in doubt use formal titles (Mr, Mrs, Dr, etc)• Briefly state the person’s position and encourage

physical greeting between parties

The role of the interpreter

1. Objectivity: must not put in any of your opinions or show disapproval, directly or indirectly. Your prime objective is to facilitate communication between two parties.

2. Impartiality: must not take sides

3. Confidentiality and Ethics: information must be kept confidential at all times

4. You are essential : can and must insist that both parties behave in a manner that enables you to communicate the message effectively

5. Cultural bridge: capable in resolving cultural conflict

6. Expert communicator: (verbal & non-verbal)

An effective Interpreter• Must be competent in the following areas:

- Understand at least two languages

- Understand at least two cultures

- Be familiar with a number of specific terms & situations (enough knowledge of the subject matter)

- Be capable of generating & sustaining an atmosphere of confidence often in difficult circumstances (mental aptitude)

- Must attempt to remain impartial and not take sides

- Must know a little about the communication process

the fundamentals of communication and barriers to effective communication

How to interpret1. Stay calm

2. Help the speaker when he/she may be nervous

3. Let the language flow through you (the content is not your responsibility)

4. Avoid putting yourself in a position of commenting, explaining or trying to justify what the speaker said.

5. Use the same pronouns as the speaker(s)

6. Encourage speakers to look at & to address each other

7. Ask the speaker to pause after reasonable chunks

8. Avoid taking the side of the speaker

9. Avoid getting involved in negotiations (unless you are being employed for)

Finalizing1. Discussing with the client any

problems that arose2. Discussing with the speaker(s) &

members of the audience any issues that arose

3. Discussing the experience with peer interpreters who shared the task with you.

4. Preparing & delivering the invoice5. Making a note for your own file,

about significance problems & language issues which appeared.

Listening skills

• Listening involves hearing and understanding

• Poor listener =

poor interpreter

Improve your listening as an interpreter

1. Not concentrating = force yourself to pick out the main

points - forget individual words - if client is going too fast, slow down - if you can’t follow, ask questions

2. Eliminating noise = refuse to interpret in excessively

noisy places (or full of distractions)

Improve your listening as an interpreter

3. Do not react emotionally =

be as unemotional as possible or you will pick up the feelings, not the message

4. Don’t feel threatened =

if abused or yelled at don’t take it personally

5. Agree, don’t agree =

If you think about reactions while someone is still speaking, you will forget what they say. Disagree after you know what has been said

Improve your listening as an interpreter

6. Be empathetic =

give positive feedback to show you understand

7. If unsure ask the speaker to repeat

8. Learn to “paraphrase” = to sum up what someone

says in your own words

Are you ready to be

an interpreter?