For government interpreters, choosing the right words is only one part of the job. In addition to acting as linguistic translators, they also engage as diplomats and, to some extent, psychologists. Accurate delivery of content with the appropriate tone requires interpreters to develop a working knowledge of both the conventions around the language into which they are translating as well as the formalized political context of speeches, meetings, and summits. They must equally be able to anticipate and adapt to the speaking habits and personality traits of the world leaders they are translating for, be it President Trump or former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. A recent NPR article highlights this balancing act, revealing the painstaking effort interpreters go through to master “the politics behind the words,” and showing us what is at stake when they misjudge intent or simply misspeak.
Read the full article here: https://www.npr.org/2018/06/11/611734103/the-pressures-of-being-an-interpreter-at-a-high-stakes-summit
Interested in pursuing a career in translation or interpreting?
This summer, CALA will be hosting the Translation and Interpreting Summer Institute, a three-week intensive program suitable for beginning to mid-career translators and interpreters from all language pairs.
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- College transcripts
- High school transcripts (required for high school graduates with no college experience only)
- Current resume or CV
- Letter of recommendation from a current or recent employer, a teacher, or an advisor