Issue #12                                                                www.interprenaut.com                                                         May 2012  

Welcome to the 12th issue of The Interpreter's Launch Pad. This newsletter is designed to bring resources, tips, and a bit of fun to the lives of professional interpreters.

Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for countdown!

Q: Interprenaut, how can I help promote awareness of the profession?

A: Be part of a global video about interpreters and translators! Grab a friend and a video camera, go to your favorite nearby scenic spot, and make a short video of yourself saying, "I'm an interpreter" in another language! (Or, if you prefer, you can hold up a sign that says "I'm a translator" in another language.) These short video clips will be compiled and used to inspire others about the importance of translation and interpreting in society at large, featuring interpreters and translators from around the world. In the process, it will help people understand the difference between these two profession. You'll also get to show the world where you live. And perhaps most importantly... it's fun! Ready to participate? Click here for all the details.

Do you have questions or issues of importance to the field of interpreting that you'd like to see Interprenaut address?  

Send them along. 

The Interpreter from Whom Many South Africans Descended 

"It sometimes seemed as if she only had to hear a word or expression once to have it imprinted on her mind, so that soon she knew more Dutch words than any other Khoi-khoi man or woman..."

In my ongoing search for interpreters of historical significance, I looked for native interpreters in Africa and stumbled upon a book (quoted above) which tells the story of Krotoa (also known as Eva), a woman born in the 1600s who interpreted for Dutch colonists. She started out as a household servant but learned Dutch and soon found herself working as an interpreter in high-stakes settings.    

Krotoa was instrumental in helping negotiate the terms for ending the first war between the Dutch and the Khoi-khoi people. As was the case with many interpreters, she has also often been viewed as a traitor and a controversial figure. However, her role was so important that she became the first woman from the Cape to ever be documented in European records.
She bridged more than just language gaps. Her marriage was the first recorded legal union between a black African native and a white settler. She had many children which led to numerous prominent South African descendents as part of her bloodline later on. Some have even called her a mother of the nation. 

Who inspires you?

• "It's typical to be deeply affected. That is what my co-workers reassured me of when I was worried that being affected made me look unprofessional."
• "It is natural to feel absolutely nothing and to take a long time to process what happened. Give it time."
• "Do not be ashamed of letting your feelings and emotions show."
• "Know that it's normal to get involved emotionally. We're humans, after all. But aspire to stay detached enough to maintain a high-level of performance."
• "Remind yourself that if you had not been there, the victim and family might not have had any voice at all."
• "Think logically about the fact that bad experiences happen every day, and you're not responsible for bringing that message as an interpreter."
• "Remember that this is your job. It isn't your responsibility to solve all of the world's problems."
• "It sounds cold, but we need to keep reminding ourselves that this is work and that we are not the victims."
• "As long as you're there for the assignment you have to cope. But afterwards, seek help - talk to colleagues, friends or professionals. Don't keep it to yourself."
• "While you are interpreting, you have to go into auto-pilot and almost not let the words reach you. Once you go home, the words reach you and have their full effect, but you just have to keep in mind that as an interpreter you are making an essential contribution to bringing these terrible things to light. And hopefully, justice will be done."

The mission of this newsletter is to lift up interpreters everywhere, but especially those who interpret in such exceptionally difficult circumstances. Thanks to the many readers who shared their experiences and words of wisdom. 

The results will be shared in next month's newsletter.  

Do you have a question you'd like to get input on from colleagues around the world?
Send me your suggested topics for next month's feedback section.  

Interpreting for King Richard the Lionheart 

Enjoy this little gem (extracted from this longer piece from the United Nations) on the role of interpreting in the year 1191: 

Although the need to communicate is as old as mankind and the mission of interpreting has always existed, the profession of interpreter is relatively new. This new role was defined in 1191 by Saladin, in a response to King Richard the Lionheart: "Kings meet only after the conclusion of an accord. In any event, I do not understand your language, and you are ignorant of mine, and we therefore need a translator (turjuman)  in whom we both have confidence. Let this man, then, act as a messenger between us. When we arrive at an understanding, we will meet, and friendship will prevail between us".

Do you have interpreting news to report from your part of the word?  

Send it along, so that your fellow interpreters can hear all about it.