How interpreters juggle two languages at once ewandro magalhaes

TED-Ed: How Simultaneous Interpretation Works

My viral TED-Ed Lesson: How Interpreters Juggle Two Languages at Once

In 1956, during a diplomatic reception in Moscow, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev told western bloc ambassadors – “Мы вас похороним!” His interpreter rendered that into English as “we will bury you!” This statement sent shockwaves through the western world, heightening the tension between the Soviet Union and the U.S., who were in the thick of the Cold War.

Some believe this incident alone set East-West relations back a decade. As it turns out, 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 – a less threatening comment. Though the intended meaning was eventually clarified, the initial impact of Khrushchev’s apparent words put the world on a path that could have led to nuclear armageddon.

So now, given the complexities of language and cultural exchange, how does this sort of thing not happen all the time? Much of the answer lies with the skill and training of interpreters to overcome language barriers.

For most of history, interpretation was mainly done consecutively, with speakers and interpreters making pauses to allow each other to speak. But after the advent of radio technology, a new simultaneous interpretation system was developed in the wake of World War II. In the 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. It takes about two years of training for already fluent bilingual 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 and repeat their every word 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 a constant effort of reformulation gradually becomes second nature. Over time and through much hard work, the interpreter masters a vast array of tricks to keep up with speed, deal with challenging terminology, and handle a multitude of foreign accents. They may resort to acronyms to shorten long names, choose generic terms over specific, or refer to slides and other visual aids. They can even leave a term in the original language while they search for the most accurate equivalent.

Interpreters are also skilled at keeping aplomb in the face of chaos. Remember: they have no control over who is going to say what or how articulate the speaker will sound. A curve ball can be thrown at any time. Also, they often perform to thousands of people and in very intimidating settings like the UN General Assembly. To keep their emotions in check, they 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 gives support by locating documents, looking up words and tracking down pertinent information. Because simultaneous interpretation requires intense concentration, every thirty minutes, the pairs switch roles. Success is heavily dependent on skillful collaboration.

Language is complex. And when abstract or nuanced concepts get lost in translation, the consequences may be catastrophic. As Margaret Atwood famously noted, “war is what happens when language fails.” Conference interpreters of all people are aware of that, and work diligently behind the scenes to make sure it never does.

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From a distanc e, simultaneous interpretation looks like magic. Up close, it looks like madness: interpreters must listen and speak at the same time, repeating words and ideas that are not their own in a foreign language whilst maintaining the appropriate meaning, intent, pace and tone. They have no control over the complexity, the speed, the clarity, or the logic of the original speech. They must link their own segments of speech together. They must maintain a speechless side conversation with their booth mates, by way of meaningful looks, gestures and notes. They may also have to read through a document or look up words in a glossary while they talk, at times delaying their interpretation until the full picture can form in their mind. With all this going against it, one would think interpreting an impossible task. Yet, with the right training and the necessary equipment, it’s perfectly doable. To understand the complex mechanics and language requirements behind a multilingual United Nations meeting, here’s another video.

What is the difference between consecutive interpretation and simultaneous? For most of history, oral translation (a.k.a. interpretation) was done consecutively, with speakers pausing at regular intervals. In these situations interpreters work consecutively, standing by the speaker and taking notes as they go. Once the speaker pauses, they then reconstruct the message from memory, using their annotations to fill in the gaps as they translate the speech orally into a different language. In time, professional interpreters learn to comfortably handle speech segments of 5-8 minutes. A few outstanding interpreters can do full speeches without any notes.

The downside of consecutive interpretation is that it can be time-consuming. An experienced interpreter will learn to edit discourse for concision, but in the best-case scenario a speech rendered consecutively will take at least 60% longer. Consecutive interpretation is also inconvenient for those in the audience who speak both languages being used. Find out more about what it is like to be an interpreter by watching this: A Day in the Life of an Interpreter.

A decade later the eyes of the world once again turned to Nuremberg, as the Allies attempted to bring closure to the genocide Hitler had unleashed on Europe. Twenty-one Nazi officials charged with a variety of atrocities were brought to justice in what would go down in history as the first war crimes trial of modern times. As lawyers prepared for the case, a practical problem arose. Every testimony would have to be interpreted from its original language into three others. Relying on consecutive interpreting would prove tedious as well as risky, as U.S. Chief Prosecutor Robert Jackson feared that the defendants could use the trial as a platform to justify their wrongdoings and gain sympathy for their predicament. The longer the proceedings, the higher the risk that the Germans would succeed in depicting the trial as a victor’s charade.

A more expeditious method of interpreting had to be tried. IBM had been experimenting with a “simultaneous telephonic system” and offered its equipment free of charge, thereby solving the hardware issue. The challenge of actually making the new system work, using mostly untrained students, fell to Leon Dostert, formerly an interpreter to General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The first linguists approached were reluctant. Dostert insisted that it was feasible and set about to provide whatever minimum training could be given to translators, lawyers, and judges on how to use it. Divided into three groups of 12, the interpreters relieved one another every 45 minutes and rendered every word spoken in court into their respective languages. Watch actual footage of interpreters at work in Nuremberg, in 1946. To compensate for the overwhelming mental and psychological demands of the job, one day off was offered for every two days of work. Watch as a A Nuremberg interpreter recalls her experience half a century later.

To see more of artist Joren Cull’s work, visit his website here.

How interpreters juggle two languages at once ewandro magalhaes

For most of history, interpretation was mainly done consecutively, with speakers and interpreters making pauses to allow each other to speak. But after the advent of radio technology, a new simultaneous interpretation system was developed in the wake of World War II. In the simultaneous mode, interpreters instantaneously translate a speaker’s words into a microphone while he or she 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. Below, Ewandro Magalhaes explains how it works. [Learn about TED Translators here.]

It takes about two years of training for already fluent bilingual 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 and repeat their every word 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 the interpreter’s brain and the constant effort of reformulation gradually becomes second nature.

Over time, and through much hard work, the interpreter masters a vast array of tricks to keep up with speed, deal with challenging terminology and handle a multitude of foreign accents. They may resort to acronyms to shorten long names, choose generic terms over specific, or refer to slides and other visual aids. They can even leave a term in the original language while they search for the most accurate equivalent.

Interpreters are also skilled at keeping aplomb in the face of chaos. Remember: they have no control over who is going to say what or how articulate the speaker will sound. A curve ball can be thrown at any time. Also, they often perform to thousands of people and in very intimidating settings, like the UN General Assembly. To keep their emotions in check, they 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 gives support by locating documents, looking up words and tracking down pertinent information. Because simultaneous interpretation requires intense concentration, every 30 minutes the pair switches roles. Success is heavily dependent on skillful collaboration.

English for you

среда, 15 апреля 2020 г.

How Interpreters Juggle Two Languages At Once

19 комментариев:

Этот комментарий был удален автором.

The language itself is a complex thing, there were cases when mistakes were made when translating a sentence, which could lead to catostraphic results. Given the complexity of language and cultural exchanges, such incidents are extremely rare. Ewandro Magalhaes explains that all this is due to the skills and abilities of the translator to overcome the so-called language barriers.

oh yes, the work of a translator is one of the most responsible today. Incident with an incorrect translation of Khrushchev’s words is proof of this.
I can’t even imagine what it is like to translate Russian proverbs and stable expressions in English to a huge audience.
I would be confused, because the fate of the state may depend on my mistake, and this is scary.

SMALL TALK на 20 апреля.
In 1956, during a diplomatic reception in Moscow, the words of the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev were translated too literally, which almost led to a nuclear war. But such situations are not repeated very often, because translators work at their best. Previously, the period was carried out sequentially. The speaker and translator paused to understand each other. But with the development of radio technology, a synchronous period drive system appeared, which greatly simplified the translation.
Translators translate synchronously with the speaker without pausing. It may seem easy for people in the audience, but behind the scenes translators do not stop working. To become a translator, you need to be engaged in training for more than 2 years. Translators work in pairs and change every 30 minutes, because the translation process takes a high concentration. Consequently translators work every day for the benefit of people.

i’ve never wondered that being interpreter is such a hard-working job. i suppose the only strong, self-controlled ones can make it. i wish i had their nerves ;D

Ульчибекова Гюзель 1 к, ГиМУ

Historically, there may be difficulties in language and cultural exchanges from time to time. This is due to the ability of translators to overcome language barriers. For language specialists, simultaneous translation training takes 2 years and is not easy. They increase their vocabulary and acquire the necessary skills to convey thoughts in accordance with the speaker’s intentions. Over time, translators learn to paraphrase what they have heard and perform stylistic transformations. They often perform in front of thousands of people in serious places. To cope with the excitement, they carefully prepare for work and make a list of the necessary terms. If translators work in pairs, success depends on the complex interaction.

Абубакарова Патимат 1к.1г.ГиМУ
Video demonstrates the importance and great responsibility of the translator’s work for the future of our world!)))Yeah, well, there’s a lot of work, a lot of time and a lot of hard work to do to become a highly qualified specialist (you have to study for two years).There have been many times in history when an incorrect translation could have irreparable consequences (nuclear war in the 1990’s).In particular, their work is important in today’s world, because most countries are betting on international relations.

Another example of how incorrect translation can lead to terrible consequences. Many do not understand, do not appreciate the work of translators, I hope this video will help them understand how responsible and difficult this work is. As we can see in the video, sometimes from their work, from their competencies even depend on people’s lives. And for such work, just knowing the language is not enough. This is hard work, people have been preparing for years, studying different methods and approaches. I would not be able to take on such responsibility, knowing that the fate of society as a whole may depend on the slightest mistake.

This video talks about the great work of the translator. a translator’s mistake can bring enormous problems to the whole world. For example, in 1956, during a diplomatic reception in Moscow, the words of the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev were translated too literally, which almost led to a nuclear war. This does not happen very often, because only the best translators are hired. With the development of radio engineering, a synchronous translation management system has appeared, which greatly simplified the translation process itself.
Translators translate synchronously with the speaker without pauses. This is a very difficult job. To become a good translator, you need to study for more than 2 years. Translators work in pairs and change every 30 minutes, because this process is very tedious. Translators work, it seems to me, only for the benefit of people.

Солтаналиева Н 1к 1гр ГиМУ
I never thought that the profession of a translater can be so complicated. It’s a very big job to repeat the same words every day in order to accustom yourself to quietly pronounce them, learn to listen, translate and speak at the same time. It is something supernatural. Moreover, this is a very responsible job. If something isn’t brought up, it can lead to scandal or, even worse, war.
I always interested in this profession, but after watching this video, I decided to still refrain from this type of profession.
Thanks for such useful information.

Этот комментарий был удален автором.

I’ve learned that the skill and training of interpreters are very important for a safe world destiny! What a multitasking work! interpreter isn’t only knowledge of language. It is: permanent vocabulary increase, overcoming language and cultural barriers, developed cognitive abilities. To be honest, I don’t know any examples when interpreters played a crucial role in managing conflicts. But I’ve red that there was a mistake of interpreter in a Bern’s book. He translated an «Apple Store» like a «grocery store». Lol. Of course, this is harmless mistake but it’s funny! Moreover I remember the situation on the TV. Foreign visitor was a guest on the Russian show. And interpreters couldn’t translate his words. It was a little shamefully. I think people of this profession shouldn’t give the way for emotions. This is really hard. Can you imagine if you are a interpreter of your idol) In the case of Khrushchev interpreter just didn’t catch the point. And this is the essence and problem of their work. Just WOW, thank you for this video!

Махалиева Зарият,1гр,1к, ГиМУ.

In my opinion, being a translator is very difficult, because this is, first of all, a very big responsibility. They must not only perfectly know a foreign language, but also be able to listen and speak at the same time. It may seem to us that it sounds too simple to “listen and speak at the same time.” But this is not so. The translator not only listens, he must understand the meaning of what has been said, he must determine which phrases are more suitable in order to convey the main idea and only then correctly express it in a foreign language. It can be concluded that a lot depends on the translator.
Suppose the presidents of the two countries set up a diplomatic meeting to discuss issues of importance to both countries. Accordingly, it will be attended by representatives and journalists of both countries. And in order to understand each other correctly, they need translators. Their literacy will determine how much the relations between these countries improve or worsen.

Difficulties in understanding foreign languages ​​is a very common problem today. But there are translators to overcome these difficulties. I think this is a huge work. Because of how often your opponents will understand you. And in order to develop such a talent you need a lot to train, as well as have a developed speech.

After watching this video, I was once again convinced that the profession of translator is very complex and responsible! Various language barriers are the main cause of translation errors, which can lead to disastrous results. This is very hard work, which needs to be trained for several years and constantly improved. I would not be able to take such responsibility not myself, knowing that international relations can depend on me.

This video shows how Khrushchev and his translator were hit by a wave of negativity after an incorrectly said phrase. After the second world war, there was a system of simultaneous translation, also tells how people learn this. This is quite difficult and you need to spend a couple of years training