Interpretation is Hard

February 20, 2008 on 3:09 pm | In About, Language | | Email This Post

I recently participated in an interview for a potential summer position on the PeaceBoat that included interpretation and translation tests.

I have done a lot of Japanese to English document translation over the past few years, so that part of the test wasn’t such a big deal. The English to Japanese translation of course was much more difficult than Japanese to English, but PeaceBoat wouldn’t expect someone to translate into their non-native language on the job, so no stress.

However, the interpretation test, English to Japanese and even Japanese to English completely blew my mind - smacked me around if you will. Made me cry “uncle”. 誰か助けて～！
I have a new a profound respect for interpreters and simultaneous translators. What a humbling experience.

It was my first time ever attempting to interpret so of course it was difficult, but I didn’t quite expect that it would be that difficult! It was so hard to remember the entire sentence in Japanese and then say it in English including all the proper nouns and numbers and whatnot. Of course I had scratch paper, but I found that when I would scribble down a year or proper noun or something that came up in the Japanese sentence as it was spoken I would miss the rest of the sentence while writing! Not to mention that since Japanese grammar almost flows backwards when compared to English you almost have to continue shuffling things around in your mind as you remember what was said and spit it back into English. It was like mind acrobatics - and I think I sprained something.

Halfway through the interview the staff told me that a major difference in interpreting and translating documents is that I don’t really need to match the language so precisely. He advised me to just grasp 80% of the idea, and relay it back to him in English as I would do if I was telling it to him in my own words. This really helped me out. I was making the mistake of literally attempting to convert the words I heard into text on paper in my mind, translating it in my head, and then “reading” my virtually noted translation back to them. It doesn’t work that way.

I found this great discussion about interpreting on the Honyaku Google Group, a forum for Japanese<->English translators.

Some people in the forum mention that doing translation is a great way to prepare yourself for interpreting, and also that most interpreters were previously translators.

Naruhodo.

They also mention that a lot of them like translation more, because they don’t have to go anywhere specific to do it. Just bring the laptop to a coffee shop, or sit at home.

Something about the stress and presence of people does attract me to interpretation though… Maybe someday I’ll take a class or something… Someday…

I’m still recovering from the shock of feeling like a Japanese-newbie again, but I’m motivated. It was a fun and challenging exercise, and interpreting is so cool when done correctly!

There is a program at the University of Queensland in Australia called, MAJIT (Master of Arts degree in Japanese Interpreting and Translation) that specializes in E-J & J-E interpretation if anyone is interested in becoming a translating/interpreting Jedi.

Lessons learned from this experience? Being able to speak Japanese, having JLPT1, working in document translation, and eating sushi, are all attributes that have nothing to do with being a good interpreter!

Never give up.

- Harvey

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8 Comments »

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  1. Gravatar

    Say it ain’t so, Harvey! If it’s hard for you, it’s currently insurmountable for me for years to come. I hope you get the position on the PeaceBoat, though. I’ve heard great things about it from former volunteers (none of whom were interpreters).

    PS - Your PeaceBoat link is busted. You’ve got an extra http// in there. ;-)

    Comment by Deas — February 20, 2008 #

  2. Gravatar

    That is actually the exact degree I’m thinking about doing in the future. More for the translation aspect than interpretation, probably for the reasons you’ve already listed, and because I’d like to deal with fiction stories rather than actual people. I’m doing my undergrad now at that uni.

    Comment by Carlie — February 20, 2008 #

  3. Gravatar

    Deas, I wish I could say it ain’t so, but man on man, it so was so! I fixed the PB link, thanks! On a positive note, I do think interpretation is something that can be learned with practice once you have the language skills. If I worked at it I’m sure I could do it. So, on that note, if I ever get another chance to apply for PB as an interpreter, I’ll have my revenge! (not sure that I got rejected yet, but you know, just lookin out)

    Carlie - Hey if you go to that school do let me know! It’s hardcore. I met a lady here in Japan who did it and her Japanese is off-the-hook. Hey check to be sure they do novel-ish fiction translation though, I think a lot of people tend to study where the money is and do things like patent translation or technical translation.

    Hey Carlie did you read the post I did about the time I went to a presentation by the guy who translates for Murakami Haruki? I think you’d like it!

    Comment by harvey — February 20, 2008 #

  4. Gravatar

    Harvey, don’t sweat it!

    In the past few years, I’ve made several trips to Central/South America, and I hit this wall head-on. Once you’re in action, though, it’s a pretty easy wall to leap over!

    I think that once you’re not being TESTED, you’ll find it very easy. In a casual atmosphere, even we translation-pedants can easily take a more laid-back approach to it. As long as the intent, mood, and vital details are communicated, you’re good. It’s really more like translating complex speech into laymen’s terms, or like relaying an off-hand comment you heard a day before.

    Good luck!

    Comment by Mac — February 21, 2008 #

  5. Gravatar

    Hi Harvey,
    Interesting post! I tried doing a bit of simultaneous translation of a Japanese show for my girlfriend and it was hard, even when I know the words.

    I wish you the best of luck with the interpretation job- I know you can do it. Let me know if you end up on the Peace Boat and be sure to keep us up to date with where you go!

    Comment by Roger S — February 21, 2008 #

  6. Gravatar

    “it was hard, even when I know the words” exactly! That was the part that was most baffling for me. Thinking that I was understanding what was being said no problem at all, it’s just so weird to flip it all back around adding subjects where necessary and stuff to make it English. Ugh!

    I think I’m in for a big lifestyle change this year, I’ll let you know when it happens, but things are so up in the air now I’m keeping it undercover ;-)

    Comment by Harvey — February 21, 2008 #

  7. Gravatar

    undercover indeed!

    Comment by Joe — February 21, 2008 #

  8. Gravatar

    Hi Harvey,
    Otsukare on the interview! Interpreting is hard, but PB knows no one is a pro. I am sure you did fine. The interpreting will continue to be challenging throughout the trip. Most people finally begin feeling more comfortable at the very end, but mostly you kick yourself in the butt the whole time since it is hard work, and you feel like your language skills are crap. haha. Anyway, you are definetely not alone. I felt the same way after my interview!
    Let me know how things go for you and Chika.

    Comment by Sophia — February 22, 2008 #

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