Archive for the ‘Interpreters’ Category

Being multilingual protects your memory

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

A study presented this month to the American Academy of Neurology suggests that people who speak two or more languages face a reduced risk of developing memory-related problems in old age.

The research (as yet preliminary) supports the long-held theory that practices such as language-learning and learning to play a musical instrument can help stave off the negative effects on the memory of aging. It suggests that practising a further language at any point during your lifetime, whether continued into old age or not, will help protect the brain against memory issues.

The study was carried out in Luxembourg using 230 participants with an average age of 73, all of whom spoke or had once spoken between two and seven languages. The study did not recruit people with dementia. Its results revealed that only 19% of participants suffered memory problems and that the more languages a partcipant spoke the less likely these problems were to develop. Researcher Margali Perquin, from the Center for Health Studies (Luxembourg), stated that the research suggested that “speaking more than two languages has a protective effect on memory in seniors”.

There is something about learning an additional language, at any point during your life, which provides the brain with support that can later prove invaluable to memory. Perquin expressed the need for further research to confirm the findings and to see if other areas of cognition (such as problem solving or perception) were also positively affected by language learning.

Discovering which parts of language learning provided this reduced risk could also lead us to establishing what other activities we should do to aid our brains. If, for example, the memory power needed to remember a whole new grammar system and vocabulary was the factor that made language learning so beneficial than perhaps vocations that similarly require a significant amount of information to be learnt might also aid memory. Vocations could include driving a London Taxi and having to spend around two years learning ‘The Knowledge’ or being active university lecturers who must continue to research their field whilst teaching the subject to their students. Research conducted by E. Maguire (2000) has already revealed that London Taxi Drivers’ increased spatial awareness can increase the size of their hippocampi, so why not memory?

Maybe a cross-cultural comparison could be made to investigate whether memory diversity across cultures is determined (to some extent) by speaking multiple languages? In Luxembourg it is quite common for citizens to speak two or more languages, therefore in countries where this is not the case would we be able to see an increased level of memory problems within the population?

This research throws up many potential research questions, and whilst this research is still in its formative stages it no doubt only encourage the case for more people to take up additional languages no matter what their age or background.

Tags: business, language, memory, multilingual
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Urgent Translations & Interpreting

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Although not desirable, it is sometimes necessary to require translation urgently, but it should never be underestimated that translation is in itself, a very delicate and sensitive process. However, circumstances often arise where there is a need for urgent translation or interpreting. When a foreign speaker has been arrested and is appearing in Court for the first time for instance; a vital document is required urgently; crisis intervention relating to family difficulties requiring urgent measures to be taken by Social Services; these are just some of the reasons why urgent translation or interpreting may be needed. This is where the right translation/interpreting services come in. It is not appropriate to think that it is a simple task of getting someone to quickly translate/interpret. The process must be undertaken by a reputable agency who are experienced in dealing with an urgent translation or providing an interpreter urgently.
Where written translations are concerned, on average an agency should be in a position to provide about 6000 to 7000 words in less than a week. Where an urgent translation is concerned, it would be desirable for at least a 24 hour turn around if it is to be undertaken to perfection. A good translation/interpreting service will recruit two or three translators to undertake the task within the time frame, so that they can each take a section of the required document. The document should then be proof read by an experienced translator.

In the case of urgent interpreting, this is more sensitive and is likely to be required immediately. If required for the Courtroom, the interpreter should be experienced in this particular field and should be able to speak up confidently in the presence of the Court. An experienced interpreter will translate exactly as the words are spoken including swear words and poor grammar. One of the most important expectations of a Social agency where urgent interpreters are frequently needed or other public agencies such as housing and the benefits office, is that the interpreters used are clear about what is required of them. It is not acceptable to send inexperienced translators to what may be a very tense and sensitive interview requiring also the important issue of absolute confidentiality.
As with most things requiring urgency expense is probably something which is off putting, but necessary. For the urgent translation, as commented above, the document will require more than one translator and it will be easy to see why it is expensive. In the case of urgent interpreting, the experienced interpreter best used for the task may have to cancel engagements and virtually be on call, this again is going to be built into the cost.
With all business and public agencies requiring translators and interpreters on a regular basis, it is always very important to know your translation/interpreter service. You need to trust the service and know that the translators and interpreters are experienced.

Tags: Interpreters, interpreting, Translation
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Courtroom Interpretation

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Courtroom interpreting can be crucial to outcome depending upon the experience of the interpreter and the manner in which the translation from the language in the case to English. Unsafe verdicts can in fact, be made when English is not the first language of people coming before the Courts.

Poor interpreting or rather the translation in the process of interpreting can cause prejudice in the Courtroom and can have a serious knock-on effect in the wider society when something has been misinterpreted or incorrectly interpreted. When this is then reported in the media the matter can continue causing further prejudice.

The effect of some interpreting can lead to poor judgement and a lack of perception particularly if the interpretation is heavily accented English leading some to associate this with a poor education and limited intelligence. In the courtroom therefore, it is easy to see how that bias develops.
It is also important to consider the stereotypical images of different languages which can influence people’s perceptions of a person. Russian language may be heard to be rather sinister or conspiratorial; English (posh accents) may be seen as a source of amusement whilst German accented English may be heard as abrupt.

All of the above must be considered and understood to be an impediment which could lead to unsafe judgements in the courtroom when interpreting is required and crucial to the outcome of a case. There is some evidence to suggest that juries are likely to give an unfavourable judgement in a case where there is poor interpreting. Where the interpreter hesitates frequently and provides a poor translation. This is not without an existing prejudice which may in any event prevail purely because the defendant does not speak English and requires an interpreter.
Whilst it is difficult to counteract such prejudice, the courts need to ensure the excellence of the interpreters used on the understanding of the damaging consequences if they use poor interpreters. The major obstacle regarding this lies in cost and, historically, the courts are not happy to provide the expense. However, without investing in good interpreting within the courts justice cannot be guaranteed.

Tags: court, Interpreters, legal
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Business – Conference Interpreting

Friday, May 7th, 2010

How often have you been involved in a business meeting where some of the participants do not speak English? How do you overcome this problem? Perhaps you will seek the services of a simultaneous interpreter. It is important however, to ensure that you understand the difference between a simultaneous interpreter and a consecutive interpreter. The former, involves headphones or an ear piece so that the listener can hear the interpreter and the business conference is in progress. The latter, will involve stopping the business conference at intervals in order to interpret. This of course will slow down the business conference, prolong the pace and cause some disruption and will mean that the meeting is disjointed.

When approaching different companies who provide conference interpreting it is essential to consider the following: the nature of the business for which the interpreter is required; what languages will be required to be interpreted, and clearly, here it is essential to remember there may be several languages and therefore the need for several interpreters; how many people will be present at the business conference.
When looking for interpreters it is advisable to seek out a company that specialises in conference interpreting. Your business will benefit from the expertise. A good company providing the conference interpreting will want to question you about your specific needs and requirements, so give them as much information as you can.

It is further advisable, to ensure that the company provide you with experienced conference interpreters who have a proven record in that area. Good people skills are essential in this field of work.

You will need to consider the specialised expertise of a conference interpreter, do they have medical knowledge if it is a business conference relating to medical matters. Do they have specialised knowledge of the nature of your business conference. Many subject areas have their own terms and language which must be fully understood by the interpreter.

When seeking business conference interpreters do not try to keep the cost down by engaging a single interpreter. You will find that most companies providing conference interpreters have people working either in pairs or in teams for each language, particularly in cases of high profile meetings involving a stress factor.

It is essential to remember how much money has been invested into your conference. You owe it to them therefore, notwithstanding your own reputation, to provide the best service you can; to make it a pleasant experience for the participants who will wish to return to your business.
Always ensure to compare prices from company to company and don’t just go for the first one to offer a lower cost. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for and where business conferencing and interpreting is concerned, good service will be money well invested.

Tags: business, conference, interpreter
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Legal Interpreters

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

The following are 7 sure-fire steps for legal professionals such as attorneys, solicitors, lawyers and barristers wanting successful dealings with an interpreter.

Step One

Always always use a qualified, professional and experienced interpreter. A friend’s girlfriend who speaks Spanish and lived in Chile for 6 years is not good enough. Even if she has a degree in the Spanish language it does not make her an interpreter. Yes, she would be convenient and cheap, but it could result in evidence thrown out of court, poor communication and downright messy results. Professional interpreters are qualified linguists who do this for a living and understand how to do it well with standards, ethics and due process. You can use an agency to hire an interpreter or you can contract a freelance interpreter directly. The advantage of using an agency is that they have vetted the interpreters but they will be more expensive. Going direct to an interpreter is somewhat of a lottery but a little cheaper.

Step 2

If possible, have your interpreter come in early to meet with you, or if for court to meet with the client. This allows time to get to know the background to the meeting/hearing, go through issue and clarify any questions. Even if this means you will have to pay for the extra time it’s worth it.

Step 3

Although it can mean a little extra work, always try to send the interpreter material about the meeting, client, criminal proceedings, etc. You don’t have to give every single bit of documentation you have but bringing the interpreter up to speed with the situation is valuable. No interpreter likes to walk into such a setting “blind”, i.e. not knowing who they are interpreting for and why. In fact, there are occasions where interpreters have refused to work on assignments due to ethical reasons or conflicts of interest. How is an interpreter supposed to know if they know a key witness if they don’t know anything about the trial in the first place?

Step 4

Always use the second person when addressing your client or other parties and look at them directly. Do not speak to the interpreter. Actually, you should almost forget they are there. For example, you should say “please confirm your name and address,” rather than “ask him to tell me his name and address.” Keep your language simple. When addressing a client whose first language is not English, stay away from long, complex sentences with multiple subordinate clauses. Avoid humour, idioms, sayings and the like which will simply get lost in translation across the linguistic and cultural lines.

Step 5

Don’t be afraid to make requests of the interpreter. If you find that the interpreter is too loud ask them to speak in a lower tone. If they are talking too fast, tell them to slow it down. If you are unsure as to whether or not something has been really understood then check with them. This is not in the least bit demanding and in fact an interpreter worth their salt will appreciate this.

Step 6

Interpreting is mentally exhausting work. You must take into account that the accuracy decreases of translation will decrease with fatigue. If you are planning to use the interpreter for a considerable length of time then consider asking or agreeing with them when breaks should be taken. If you believe the day may last too long for one interpreter then investing in a pair to take turns during the day is not such a bad idea.

Step 7

Remember that interpreting takes time. Most interpreting in the legal sector will take place consecutively (also known as face-to-face). Everything is being said twice plus on top of that there will be pauses or delays to check meanings or clarify statements. Accept that things will take at least twice as long and allow for this. Hurrying proceedings or putting people under stress does not solve problems but rather creates problems.

If you have done your homework, stuck to the 7 Steps and thought the process through then you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Tags: Interpreters, legal, translators
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