The following information defines the terms associated with interpreting and provides insight on how to work with an interpreter. It is provided as a public service. I am not currently accepting interpreting work. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail if you have any questions.

On a typical business trip to Russia, an interpreter with play many roles, some of which you may not even notice. By becoming more knowledgeable of these activities, you will be able to better support your interpreters, so that they may do their best for you. Providing copies of any prepared speech for example, even just a look at your notes, can be most valuable in the interpreters' preparation for an event. We will also cover the basic mechanics of speaking through an interpreter properly, to give the best, most professional appearance.

Many things take place behind the scenes at any international meeting. Corporate protocol staffs understand this. A good, experienced interpreter will know how to make the necessary arrangements for whatever sort of function you will need to attend. In more remote areas, they will arrange for proper food, housing and whatever other needs may arise. Interpreters often fulfill some written translation needs on business trips as well. Considering all of that, it is easy to see why they are normally the last ones to bed and the first ones to rise.

It may seem obvious, but it is very important that you always use an interpreter you feel you can trust. There is an old joke that drives this point home, if you care to read it.  The interpreter must be an integral part of your team to be effective. The more you keep your interpreter in the loop, the more prepared they will be, and preparation is the most important factor in presenting quality, polished interpretation.

If you are speaking through a conference interpreter (simultaneous interpretation) your job will be easy. You will, basically, just speak normally, as if there were no interpreter present, mindful however, that they need to be able to keep up. This is normally not a problem unless you are reading a prepared text. Then you need to be conscious not to speak faster than you normally would. That said, it is also helpful for you to take note of some of the special considerations that follow, such as limiting the use of jargon and humor.

If you are working with a consecutive interpreter (sometimes known as an escort interpreter), which is more likely on a business trip, there a few more basic rules to keep in mind.  It may seem a little unnatural at first, but soon it will become quite easy:

• Always look directly at the intended recipient of your message, not at your interpreter and instead of saying: "Tell him that..." just speak to the person as though they were able to understand you.

• Speak in full sentences. Grammar doesn't work the same way in all languages. If you stop in the middle of a sentence (even to show emphasis, etc.) you may not be giving your interpreter the part of the sentence they need to begin speaking.

• Avoid jargon, technical terminology, or even biblical references your interpreter may not know. No one can be an expert on every topic. If you set aside some time to discuss such questions beforehand (again preparation) you will be less limited in this regard.

• Be very cautious about using humor. It is highly recommended that you never use a joke with a foreign audience before discussing it with your interpreter. A play-on-words will normally simply not work. Other types of humor may be particularly offensive to certain people, in certain circumstances. It is unusual to plan something as spontaneous as telling a joke, unless it is in a prepared text. But, it can certainly spare you from considerable embarrassment.

• Build in time for interpreting and translation. An important factor, which is often overlooked, is that communicating the same thought twice takes longer. To give a presentation using consecutive interpretation will take approximately twice as long. Also, professional (written word) translators commonly work at a maximum rate of 350-400 words per hour, on familiar materials. Don't let an oversight in planning cause a break in your timeline.

Remember interpreters are engaged whenever you are, even at dinner, often working for more than one member of your team, as well as taking care of many issues behind the scenes. Don't forget to take care of them. A popular slogan in the business is: "Eat quickly and take small bites." But, it is always appreciated when "the principal" (you) makes sure the interpreter has a chance to eat in peace. The better you work together, the more smoothly your business will be conducted, and the more enjoyable your trip will be.

Definitions:

• Consecutive Interpretation
    The "principal" or client speaks two or more sentences at a time and pauses, then the interpreter renders the information in the "target language."

• Simultaneous Interpretation (a.k.a. simultaneous translation - Interpretation is a subset of translation)
    As the principal is speaking, the interpreter, lagging a few words behind, renders the information into the target language at a near real-time pace.

• Escort Interpreter
    An escort interpreter, as the U.S. Department of State refers to them, is capable of handling all but the most specialized topics of discussion (in consecutive interpretation) with adequate preparation. Such an interpreter would be appropriate for almost any business trip or meeting.

• Conference Interpreter
    A conference interpreter can also work in the consecutive style. However, this usually refers to someone who conducts their work using simultaneous interpretation. This can be an important advantage for large events where a group of people can't easily be kept waiting while consecutive interpretation is being conducted. Only a small percentage of interpreters are capable of performing simultaneous interpretation competently.  

Interpreter Joke:

An American outlaw rides across the border into Mexico and robs a train, taking several thousand dollars worth of gold. The Mexican police capture the man and they're sure he's the train robber. But, they don't speak English. So, they send a man to town to find an interpreter.

The interpreter shows up at the jail and the questioning begins:

Police Chief: We know you took the money and we want to know where it is right now!

Interpreter: We know you took the money and we want to know where it is right now!

Train robber: I don't know anything about any money.

Interpreter: I don't know anything about any money.

Police Chief: You see this gun against your head?  Well, you have one minute to tell me where the money is or I'll shoot. (Counting down from 60...)

Interpreter: You see this gun against your head? Well, you have one minute to tell me where the money is or I'll shoot. And mister, I would listen to him. I know the Chief and he's crazy!

Train robber: Okay! I'll tell you. Don't shoot! I hid the money in a cave across from the big boulder on the edge of town.

Interpreter: Chief, he says go ahead and shoot. He will never tell you where the money is.