Sandy McKethan, Jr. Rubrecht, Ph. Although I do not know the details who these delegates are, the purpose of their visit, what exactly my friend is expected to do, etc. She then went on to boast about how she improvises, smoothes things over, and adds in her own explanations when she "interprets" for someone who says something inflammatory or unclear, or when she doesn't understand. She is obviously not a trained interpreter, although she is perfectly bilingual and a highly intelligent person.
She is also a friend of mine, whom I've always liked and respected. I don't want to offend her, nor do I know if there is anything that can or should be done about this situation. But I find it outrageous that military authorities are turning to untrained bilinguals as interpreters.
Aren't they aware of the importance of hiring professionally trained and certified interpreters? A: Dear Down, Military authorities are cleaning up their act, we're told, spurred by recent gaffes and media interest in same. OK, we are not recommending expert translators wade in trumpeting years of study and decades of experience in field X, Y or Z, reeling off high-profile assignments with captains of industry and government leaders.
Hey, arrogance is a turn-off, too. But if clients are to acknowledge professional skills and pay you properly, you can't hide your light under a bushel either. Quiet confidence with the occasional insightful yet discrete anecdote about saving the day are the way to go.
Unfortunately, by carrying on like Betty Boop she simply underscored her amateur status, reinforced by her ignorance of the wee matter of confidentiality. Concretely, should the opportunity arise again, you can help by countering amateur and professional linguists' silly stories in public with some pithier ones of your own, weaving in the importance of training, experience and your role as solution provider.
