Interpretation is Hard - The Aftermath

Well, my 2nd interpretation test for the Peace Boat translation position is complete!

I did much better on the Japanese to English interpretation portion this time. Much, much better. I would have passed myself. The English to Japanese was difficult, but I also handled it much better than last time I believe. The Japanese to English topic was global warming and the resultant rising sea levels potential effect on Japan, and the English to Japanese topic was about the effect of global warming on the agriculture industry in Mali.

A lot of the farming vocabulary had me grasping at straws. Some words that saved my life were… 肥料 (hiryou) for fertilizer, and 井戸 (ido) for well, like, water well. Words I never use in my daily life, but I picked up in school. Yay for academics huh?

Anyway, after the test I got an email from the staff and said they would like me to speak with the director of the program on the phone tomorrow. Maybe it’s a final check to see if I’m sane and sincere!

Anyway, no matter what happens, I’m really glad I handled the Japanese to English interpretation so well. A little practice goes a long way.

I’m not even 100% sure my schedule will allow me to do the PeaceBoat when the time comes… but if it does, I’m on it!

That is… Assuming they want me.

Thanks for all the encouragement JapanNewbie readers!

- Harvey