Interpreting and Translating Westerville City Schools Ohio TESOL November 12, 2011

Interpretation and Translation Resources Parent liaisons MARTTI Headsets and Transmitters Bilingual aides Bilingual speakers as vendors Variety of interpreting and translating agencies in the area

MARTTI My Authentic Real Time Trusted Interpreter Provided by Ohio Health in partnership with Westerville City Schools

Headsets and Transmitters Up to 7 languages Coordinate 7 channels with 7 interpreters Mini United Nations

Challenges to Interpreting Parents don’t want to admit their need for an interpreter, don’t realize they need one, or request a specific one. Interpreters with no knowledge of educational jargon. Ignorance.

Ethical Guidelines for Interpreters and Translators Interpreters shall keep all assignment-related information strictly confidential. This includes that fact that the service is being performed. Interpreters shall render the message faithfully, always conveying the content and spirit of the speaker using language most readily understood by the person whom they serve. Interpreters are not editors and must transmit everything that is said in exactly the same way it was intended even if the interpreter disagrees with what is being said or is asked to interpret profane language. Interpreters are only responsible for accurately conveying information being said not for what is being said. If the interpreters’ personal feelings interfere with rendering the message, he/she shall withdraw from the situation. Interpreters shall not counsel, advise, or interject personal opinions. Interpreters are to refrain from adding anything to the situation, even when they are asked to do so by other parties involved. Service providers shall accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, setting, and the consumers involved. Interpreters shall accept assignments for which they are qualified. If the interpreter has insufficient language skills to interpret accurately, he/she shall withdraw from the situation. Interpreters shall request compensation for services in a professional and judicial manner. Interpreters shall function in a manner appropriate to the situation. Interpreters shall strive to further knowledge and skills through participation in workshops, professional meetings, interactions with professional colleagues, and reading of current literature in the field.

What is an Interpreter’s Role? To serve as a verbal connector between people who do not speak the same language. Converts oral messages from one language to another.

Types of Interpreting Simultaneous – Interpreter and speaking within seconds of each other. Type of interpreting used with headsets. Consecutive – Interpreter listens then transmits message while speaker waits.

What is the Role of a Translator? To render the written message from one language to another. Letters home, bus information are examples.

Dangers of Getting It Wrong (at least in hotels) Bucharest hotel: The list is being fixed for the next day. During this time you will be unbearable. Athens hotel: Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 am daily. Sarajevo hotel: The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid.

When Errors Aren’t Funny Client has passed Advanced Physics. The translation should accurately reflect this, NOT show Physics, Physics II, or Science. An error on a transcript can affect the evaluation of the transcript and prevent the client from being accepted into higher education.

Dangers of a Computer Translator Original question: What language is most often spoken in the home? 1 st machine translation: Most spoken language in the home such as why? 2 nd translation: Is spoken in most households in these languages? 3 rd translation: In these languages are spoken in many families?

Issues that Make a Meeting with an Interpreter Uncomfortable Not understanding the procedure. Being unfamiliar with cultural differences. Not knowing what others are saying. Not being sure your message is being interpreted accurately. Feeling disconnected from the participants.

Overcoming the Issues Hold a pre-meeting with the interpreter and person running the meeting. Review the rules and expectations. Provide an agenda, outline, relevant terminology to interpreter before the meeting. Alert the interpreter to any cultural differences.

Do Not… Say, “Tell her I’m glad she came.” Do say, “I’m glad you came.” Say, “Do these people always come late?” It will be interpreted! Hold private conversations.

Who’s in Charge? Should not be the interpreter. Keeps the meeting at an appropriate pace. Prevents participants from talking at the same time. Is alert to need to stop or slow down.

Red Flags Information omission, substitution or addition. Interpreter takes over the meeting. Inaccuracy or distorted information Lack of familiarity of terminology. Lack of understanding of cultures.

Pitfalls Humor doesn’t travel well. Avoid jokes and stories unless you are sure they will be interpreted effectively. Avoid long, complex descriptions and do not use slang, idioms, or colloquial expressions.