Transcript MARTTI My Authentic Real Time Interpreter

Interpreting and Translating
Westerville City Schools
Ohio TESOL
November 12, 2011
Interpretation and Translation
Resources
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Parent liaisons
MARTTI
Headsets and Transmitters
Bilingual aides
Bilingual speakers as vendors
Variety of interpreting and translating
agencies in the area
MARTTI
• My Authentic Real Time Trusted
Interpreter
• Provided by Ohio Health in partnership
with Westerville City Schools
Headsets and Transmitters
• Up to 7 languages
• Coordinate 7 channels with 7 interpreters
• Mini United Nations
Challenges to Interpreting
• Parents don’t want to admit their need for
an interpreter, don’t realize they need one,
or request a specific one.
• Interpreters with no knowledge of
educational jargon.
• Ignorance.
Ethical Guidelines for Interpreters
and Translators
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Interpreters shall keep all assignment-related information strictly confidential. This includes that
fact that the service is being performed.
Interpreters shall render the message faithfully, always conveying the content and spirit of the
speaker using language most readily understood by the person whom they serve.
Interpreters are not editors and must transmit everything that is said in exactly the same way it
was intended even if the interpreter disagrees with what is being said or is asked to interpret
profane language.
Interpreters are only responsible for accurately conveying information being said not for what is
being said. If the interpreters’ personal feelings interfere with rendering the message, he/she shall
withdraw from the situation.
Interpreters shall not counsel, advise, or interject personal opinions.
Interpreters are to refrain from adding anything to the situation, even when they are asked to do
so by other parties involved.
Service providers shall accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, setting, and the
consumers involved.
Interpreters shall accept assignments for which they are qualified. If the interpreter has
insufficient language skills to interpret accurately, he/she shall withdraw from the situation.
Interpreters shall request compensation for services in a professional and judicial manner.
Interpreters shall function in a manner appropriate to the situation.
Interpreters shall strive to further knowledge and skills through participation in workshops,
professional meetings, interactions with professional colleagues, and reading of current literature
in the field.
What is an Interpreter’s Role?
• To serve as a verbal connector between
people who do not speak the same
language.
• Converts oral messages from one
language to another.
Types of Interpreting
• Simultaneous – Interpreter and speaking
within seconds of each other. Type of
interpreting used with headsets.
• Consecutive – Interpreter listens then
transmits message while speaker waits.
What is the Role of a Translator?
• To render the written message from one
language to another.
• Letters home, bus information are
examples.
Dangers of Getting It Wrong
(at least in hotels)
• Bucharest hotel: The list is being fixed for
the next day. During this time you will be
unbearable.
• Athens hotel: Visitors are expected to
complain at the office between the hours
of 9 and 11 am daily.
• Sarajevo hotel: The flattening of
underwear with pleasure is the job of the
chambermaid.
When Errors Aren’t Funny
• Client has passed Advanced Physics. The
translation should accurately reflect this,
NOT show Physics, Physics II, or Science.
• An error on a transcript can affect the
evaluation of the transcript and prevent the
client from being accepted into higher
education.
Dangers of a Computer Translator
• Original question: What language is most
often spoken in the home?
• 1st machine translation: Most spoken
language in the home such as why?
• 2nd translation: Is spoken in most
households in these languages?
• 3rd translation: In these languages are
spoken in many families?
Issues that Make a Meeting with an
Interpreter Uncomfortable
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Not understanding the procedure.
Being unfamiliar with cultural differences.
Not knowing what others are saying.
Not being sure your message is being
interpreted accurately.
• Feeling disconnected from the
participants.
Overcoming the Issues
• Hold a pre-meeting with the interpreter
and person running the meeting. Review
the rules and expectations.
• Provide an agenda, outline, relevant
terminology to interpreter before the
meeting.
• Alert the interpreter to any cultural
differences.
Do Not…
• Say, “Tell her I’m glad she came.” Do say,
“I’m glad you came.”
• Say, “Do these people always come late?”
It will be interpreted!
• Hold private conversations.
Who’s in Charge?
• Should not be the interpreter.
• Keeps the meeting at an appropriate pace.
• Prevents participants from talking at the
same time.
• Is alert to need to stop or slow down.
Red Flags
• Information omission, substitution or
addition.
• Interpreter takes over the meeting.
• Inaccuracy or distorted information
• Lack of familiarity of terminology.
• Lack of understanding of cultures.
Pitfalls
• Humor doesn’t travel well. Avoid jokes and
stories unless you are sure they will be
interpreted effectively.
• Avoid long, complex descriptions and do
not use slang, idioms, or colloquial
expressions.