Chatty interpreter

Translation and interpreting are very different. Main distinction between the two is that translation is written and interpreting is spoken. However, there is another important difference between them: contact with people.

In our industry, we often joke about the stereotypical translator being an introvert who spends hours dressed in pyjamas in front of the computer with only a cat for company. Interpreters are perceived as more social creatures, extrovert and talkative.

There is some truth in that. I personally identify with a personality of a talkative, sociable interpreter happily wearing high heels and avoiding cats for various reasons. Spending hours and days in front of a computer would feel like punishment to me. At the same time, there are aspects of my interpreting job, where I occasionally seek solace in a translation project.

Unlike conference or business interpreting, public service interpreting exposes us to direct contact with members of the community. According to our professional code of conduct interpreters must be impartial and independent. Although the code of conduct does not state this, interpreters also have to be tolerant and patient.

In an ideal world interpreter would only interact with a service user during the interpreting process. After all facilitating communication between the service user and the client is the sole purpose of us being there. However, many clients assume that we are happy to socialise with the service user and, either through this misconception or genuine lack of facilities, we are often left in the company of the service user before interpreting commences.

This is where being sociable, tolerant and patient comes in. Earlier this year I was instructed to interpret for a defence witness in court. I arrived at court at 10am as requested by the instructing solicitor. Defence witnesses give evidence after prosecution witnesses and so I didn’t go into the court room to interpret until 4pm. In the intervening time, I was briefed by the witness about her childhood, her marriage, miscarriage, battle with cancer, menopause experiences and divorce. None of this related to the trial she was a witness in. When we finally went into the court, her evidence took 20 minutes. I said good bye on the landing and the witness leaned over and gave me a quick and unexpected peck on the cheek and thanked me. Not sure whether she thanked me for interpreting or for listening.

Due to its very nature, community interpreting invites social interaction that may not appear professional. As long as we remain impartial and independent we do our job correctly. Being approachable does not mean being unprofessional. Sometimes, the interactions are somewhat overwhelming and I welcome translation projects at times. As long as they are not too long - my dogs would not appreciate me wearing pyjamas all day.