4 Keys Elements of a Successful Interpreter


بواسطة Site Admin | نوف 7, 2017
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In fast-developing countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and even the moderately developed China, interpretation is an important industry that helps drive trade and economic development. In Vietnam in particular where export has recently surged up to nearly 100% of GDP, interaction with foreign businesses and investors plays a crucial role in driving business transactions and creating jobs.

In this light, Saigon Times and RMIT University has organized the seminar: Interpreting Personnel: How to find qualified interpreters? in Pullman Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Apparently, companies are facing many challenges of finding and ensuring qualified interpreters. According to Ho Chi Minh City’s Labor Department, there are currently 1,000 professional interpreters currently working in the field but the needs are more than that.

According to ManPower Vietnam, currently, they have more than 1,200 posts of interpretation/translation jobs per year, and many of them are unmet. In particular, Samsung Vietnam has expressed that they can only find 50% qualified interpreters for their needs. While there are many schools offering interpretation and translation courses (in Ho Chi Minh City every year there are 300 students graduating from Japanese studies, 300 for Korean studies, and 500 for Chinese studies), these talents often have difficulty connecting with the clients looking for interpreters.

Another difficulty is that the interpretation manpower is not well equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for the event. Mr. Phạm Xuân Hoàng Ân, a seasoned Vietnamese – English interpreter, shared his 4 key factors for an interpreter to success at any interpretation event.

 

1. Understanding of the topic in one’s native language

An interpreter by definition is a generalist. He must study the content of the event in advance. This involves the general knowledge about how the industry works, what are some special terms and what they mean, before even thinking of interpreting to another language. Mr. Ân explains it very well in the “primer to interpretation” exercise below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiO3GryFZzo&t=7s

 

2. Support from the client

Every client is different. Every event is different. An interpreter needs the client to provide necessary materials such as speeches, scripts, presentation materials, etc., or the characteristics / requirements of each speaker.

 

3. Intonation / Accent

An interpreter is only as good as his accent, and major events may fail because the interpreter’s accent is too thick. This is why it is advisable for senior interpreters who did not learn the language when they were young to continue to practice with their intonation.

 

4. Soft skills

Interpretation is not only about translating but also communicating. For example, your speaker is angry and said things he did not mean to say. Do you translate word per word, do you soften the tone, or do you check with the speaker first? How you should react depends on the situation and your tactfulness as a communicator.

 

Things get even more challenging when it comes to simultaneous interpretation (cabin interpretation). Read more about how to practice and develop your skills here.

At Freelensia, we try to further the growth of an interpreter on all of these 4 fronts. Interpreters get access to an online database of specialized words specific to the industry of the event. The client is reminded and encouraged to support the interpreter to the fullest and the interpreter is trained of the best practices and business etiquette required for the event. Contact us at support@freelensia.com or visit our website for more details!

 

See also