Achiyra puts on a shirt, tying a necktie, and stepping out of the house with confidence. It's been a lifelong dream for him to become an interpreter. And just the other day, he was fortunate enough to land a job as an interpreter at a conference. Achiyra went to college abroad for over 5 years. He is very confident in his language skills. This time, he was going to show everyone how skilled he was. The attendees will praise him for translating difficult concepts with ease.
However, as the conference progresses, he faces challenging technical jargon paired with speakers who rush through their presentations. His voice trembles, sweat beads on his forehead, his breath becomes uneven, and he fumbles for words. He mistranslates several crucial points, and even basic grammar errors slip by unnoticed. Instead of praise, the attendees express disappointment. Achiyra comes to the realization that he had overestimated his abilities. Perhaps, being an interpreter demands skills he lacks. Refusing to shy away from challenges, he decides to enroll in an interpreting course and discovers that excelling in the interpreting profession requires more than just language proficiency. Here are at least 5 other essential skills
Listening Skills
In interpreting, listening is as crucial as speaking. Interpreters need excellent listening abilities, grasping the speaker's message in one language and quickly translating it into another. This requires intense concentration, the ability to focus for extended periods, and understanding nuances in the source language, including unfamiliar accents or speech patterns.
Communication Skills
While document translators often work in front of computers, interpreters don't have that luxury. They must quickly translate spoken words. Interpreters must organize information fluently, accurately, and grammatically, conveying the speaker's emotions and intentions effectively.
Cultural Understanding
Interpreters act as cultural bridges, requiring an understanding of the cultural context of both languages they work with. This includes social norms, customs, traditions, and communication styles, ensuring accurate interpretation across cultures.
Flexibility and Problem-Solving Skills
Interpreters work under pressure, needing to think and act fast. They must process information rapidly and translate complex sentences, including idioms or technical terms, without hesitation.
Continuous Learning
Interpreters must always be willing to learn, as each field has its own vocabulary and communication styles. They adapt to new challenges and regularly update their knowledge to meet the demands of their assignments.
Bonus : Good interpreters build strong relationships with clients and agencies, improving their job prospect. Their professionalism, friendliness, and willingness to solve problems contribute to successful events, showcasing their hospitality and professionalism.
After completing his interpreter training at Trinity Academy, Achiyra gained acceptance as a professional interpreter. He succeeded by following his teacher's advice, mastering the basics, and demonstrating professionalism in his work, impressing everyone he collaborated with.
Whether it's simultaneous or consecutive interpretation, in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc., these basic skills are essential. When seeking interpreter services or applying for interpreter positions, choose a company managed by experienced interpreters. They can assess the job's challenges and your qualifications accurately in terms of language proficiency, knowledge, and professionalism.
