AIB success at the Zaragoza Expo Home > Articles about translation and interpretation > Zaragoza Expo

AIB success at the Zaragoza Expo At the Zaragoza Expo, the temporary joint venture established by AIB - Agrupación de Intérpretes de Barcelona and AIM - Agrupación de Intérpretes de Madrid organized all the official interpreting for the Commissioner's Office, Press Center, Water Tribune and El Faro - The Beacon, as well as some of the events held by Expo pavillions and some of the conferences held on the occasion of this fair. The interpreting involved some highly technical and difficult meetings and some events requiring great breadth and depth of cultural background (talks with writers in the Water Words section of the Water Tribune, interviews with personalities like Peter Greenaway...). On the Expo's National Days the interpreting at the highest level -- heads of state and heads of government -- and protocol-intensive. We are extremely proud of the support won among all the department leaders, earned through the painstaking work of the interpreting coordinators who put together the best teams according to need. We also thank all the interpreters -- close to 60 -- for their hard work. We wish to share with you the praise earned from the organizers.

Great conference! Home > Articles about translation and interpretation > Great conference!

Great conference! (didn't understand a thing...) The audience is expectant. Everything, from the roster of stellar speakers to the poster-bedecked walls, stunning flower arrangements and smartly uniformed hostesses, augurs that the event will be a success. At last, the meeting commences. But wait! Something is happening... Is it possible that the Nobel prize winner at the rostrum is talking gibberish? A handful of people clap enthusiastically while another lot sits looking bewildered. As it begins to dawn on people that the disjointed ramblings issuing from their headsets are not the precise words of the illustrious speaker before them, heads turn toward the back of the room where an interpreter labors away, churning out his own version of the eminent lecturer's talk. Meeting gone awry? Organization of the conference was perfect in almost every way. As this nightmare scenario - all too often a reality - shows, poor interpreting can torpedo conference proceedings, tarnishing the organizers' image in the process. Repercussions for the host country's image and prestige of guest speakers constitute further collateral damage, the ultimate victims, of course, being the conference participants themselves. Yet international meetings are a fact of life. Globalization means business is done worldwide, and while English has arguably become the world's de facto lingua franca (giving rise to the truism that the universal language is bad English) individual language skills may not always measure up in a situation, such as an international event, where a precise understanding is essential. Such circumstances demand a common denominator, some equalizing force that can enable the linguistically challenged to take part on an equal footing with more linguistically accomplished participants. In the hands of skilled conference interpreters who capture and convey essential nuances, such "language intermediation" permits immediate comprehension and excellent cross communication, the litmus test of a successful event. So what differentiates good conference interpreters from a host of other polyglots? People who can rattle off a foreign language draw admiration from the many who stumble when asking for a beer and snacks in a foreign country, but the ability to speak more than one language is in itself no guarantee of interpreting aptitude since the capacity to listen to a language and speak in another simultaneously requires a separate set of skills. (In other words, if your nephew who has spent a few years abroad studying a foreign language seems like the perfect choice to interpret the annual meeting of the board of directors of your company, think again.) The role of the conference interpreter is to hear and understand what a speaker is saying, process that information and convey it to the audience in a different language. An interpreter's skill lies in knowing how to avoid literal translation while conveying the underlying meaning. This skill is particularly important when faced with an unclear or disorganized speaker. Unraveling the gist of a talk hastily or chaotically presented involves separating the wheat from the chaff, culling the essence of what the speaker means to say amidst a flurry of verbiage, a process often performed by the interpreter at very high speed. Indeed, the stress often associated with the profession is a product of the intense concentration required. In addition to their interpreting skills, savvy interpreters know the idiomatic and colloquial expressions of the languages to and from which they interpret, and are familiar with the cultures to which those languages pertain. Equivalent expressions can be expressed quite differently in different languages. The proverb "más vale prevenir que curar", if translated literally ("it is better to prevent than to cure") would probably be understood by an audience, but sounds more authentic and retains its original punch when translated as: "a stitch in time saves nine". On the other hand, a literal translation of "a Dios rogando y con el mazo dando" ("begging God and wielding the mallet") would undoubtedly leave listeners perplexed, whereas "God helps those who help themselves" would instantly be understood. Technical vocabulary is another pitfall. Truly professional conference interpreters devote long hours to familiarizing themselves with the subject matter and technical terminology for conferences ranging from anything like aluminum extrusion to railway safety, or the gamut of medical subjects. As in any other profession, experience shows. Curiously, serious organizations that go to great lengths to recruit highly qualified external consultants with glowing CVs think nothing of bargain hunting when looking for interpreters who are expected to provide a faithful rendition of information on which the organization's image depends. Such offhandedness can prove calamitous. The prestigious international meeting on artificial insemination where "frozen semen" was translated as "marineros congelados" ("frozen seamen") by an insouciant interpreter, is a case in point. As in every profession there is a learning curve, but hiring interpreting neophytes who gain experience on the job at the organizers' expense can prove costly. A mediocre interpreter may do a passable job when the subject matter is not too demanding, but a skilled professional interpreter will ensure greater clarity and capture nuances that someone less experienced may miss. Even apparently non-technical subjects can be marred by blunders committed by a poor interpreter - the interpreter who referred to the architect Mies van der Rohe as "la señorita van der Rohe" is an example - proving that a knowledge of general culture is essential to good interpreting too If, then, interpreting is the communication lifeline enabling an audience to follow a meeting and actively participate, why do organizers cut corners when shopping around for the professionals who are ultimately responsible for ensuring that communication will flow and the message be accurately conveyed? The figures are surprising. According to sources in the sector *, the tab for a gala dinner organized for 400 people attending a conference would be 32,000 euros. Flowers alone would cost 2,700 euros. Last but not least, a midmorning coffee break with croissants, at a cost of 12 euros per person, would come to a whopping 4,800 euros, over five times the cost of two professional conference interpreters working for a full day. Seen from this perspective, the percentage of total cost represented by interpreters' fees is trifling. Yet the same organizers who agonize over menus and go to great lengths to plan embellishments for their meeting in painstaking detail are often surprisingly casual about finding the professionals who are critical to the success of the entire event. On the one hand, reluctance to pay for first-rate professional interpreters reflects a general lack of understanding of what it is that interpreters do. Interpreter training, both formal (advanced and postgraduate studies; EU-sponsored training) and non formal (further research into specific topics and preparation of the subject matter of each meeting) is a time-consuming process which distinguishes top professionals in their field from a whole underclass of interpreting wannabes who lack the technique and the dedication required to build up genuine professional expertise. Organizers who throw up their hands in horror at the thought of what interpreting services will cost them would do well to consider the unremunerated extra days prior to the conference itself which are devoted to reviewing past notes, poring over documents and otherwise researching and becoming familiar with the subject matter and terminology which interpreters will be responsible for conveying clearly and accurately to experts in that field. International organizations by and large are aware of the pitfalls of poor interpreting, and avoid this risk by hiring only experienced professionals for their meetings. The U.N., IMF, World Trade Organization, and European Institutions (Commission, Parliament and Council of Europe), to name a few, look primarily to AIIC, the Geneva-based International Association of Conference Interpreters, with 2,600 members worldwide (over 80 of whom are in Spain), to find staff or freelance interpreters for their needs. Because membership in AIIC, an organization which not only upholds interpreting quality but promotes favorable working conditions to this end, is contingent on endorsement of each interpreter's language combinations through a form of peer review, standards in the association are high. A minimum number of days' experience is required of candidates to AIIC, further ensuring quality. (*) Figures provided by GRUP SERVEIS, Conference Organizers

A Thumbnail Guide to Interpreting Interpretation can take different forms. The usual image that springs to mind is that of simultaneous interpretation, also sometimes -- though not entirely accurately -- referred to as simultaneous translation, in which interpreters, sitting in a soundproof booth speak into a microphone, transmitting the content of what they are listening to through headphones in another language, in real time. In consecutive interpretation the interpreter takes notes while the speaker is talking and renders the content of what has been said when the speaker finishes, although for this purpose talks are broken up into smaller segments to facilitate the interpreters' task and avoid boredom amongst the listeners, who have to sit through the original version of the talk delivered in a language they do not understand. In this case sound equipment may be limited to a handheld microphone, depending on the number of participants and size of the room. Simultaneous interpretation is preferred whenever possible because of the fluidity and immediacy it affords, although consecutive interpretation may be required where installation of sound equipment is impracticable. The major drawback of consecutive interpretation is that it takes twice as long, since there is a wait while interpretation is provided, meaning that effective meeting time is halved. Another form of interpreting is "chuchotage", a kind of hybrid technique in which the interpreter, sitting beside or behind the listeners, whispers the interpretation directly to them while the speaker is talking. Because sound equipment is not used, this form of interpreting is only feasible for one or two listeners at a time. About the authors Virginia Skrobisch and Edwina Mumbrú are members of Agrupación de Intérpretes de Barcelona (AIB), a Barcelona-based organization founded by professional conference interpreters with extensive experience working in the public and private sector throughout the European Union. AIB was created with the aim of bringing to the domestic market the same rigorous standards of interpreting quality demanded by international organizations. All AIB members are AIIC professionals.

An Insider's Look at AIB Home > Articles about translation and interpretation > An Insider's Look ...

An Insider's Look at AIB Cristina AMILS With Spanish and German parents, Cristina lived and went to school in both countries before deciding to settle in Barcelona. She splits her working time between the EU institutions and the Spanish domestic market, and when time allows she works on her voice - though for musical rather than linguistic purposes. Although she was trained in classical and piano, it's jazz and swing that really rock her boat. Mireia BAS Half French, half Spanish, Mireia is our Catalan language specialist and an official sworn interpreter for Catalan and French. She also works as a translator, an occupation that takes up much of her time and energy, and her love of teaching has led her to teach Catalan and Spanish as second languages. When she's not busy being a wordsmith she lets her hair down singing Brazilian music, which reminds her of warmer climes, or partakes in a spot of rock-climbing. Jacqueline BUISSERET Born a Belgian, now also a Catalan and Spaniard through love, Jackie is our most exotic member: she was raised in Africa and moved back there with her husband and two daughters before going on to Papua New Guinea and eventually back to Barcelona. On these long stints abroad she built up her medical interpreting experience, as well as knowledge of development issues. She also learned Swahili and pidgin English and became a proficient and eager swimmer, tennis player and cook, specializing in exotic dishes we all love to savour. Mary FONS Mary, who is half American and half Spanish, is one of AIB's medical interpreting specialists, as well as our resident IT expert, to the great relief of the rest of the group. She's also an inexhaustible source of information about the latest developments on the Internet. Her interests are broad and varied, comprising music (choral singing) and networking, as well as reading and musing about the human mind and evolution. Pilar GARCIA CRECENTE Pilar, born in Galicia (in north-western Spain), decided to settle down close to Barcelona several years ago. Her dulcet tones are enchanting, both within and without the booth, and she is also expert in marketing. An avid reader, she splits her time between interpreting, teaching and even writing poetry, which perhaps some day she may be persuaded to publish! A former student of physics, Pilar keeps her finger on the pulse of all new developments in this area. Fernando GONZALEZ Another rare bird from warmer climes, Fernando spent much of his childhood in Libya and Malta, among other countries. Having lived in Barcelona for many years, he recently decided to go back to his roots in Madrid, where his work is mainly for European and international institutions and for television (he can be heard in Spain interpreting the Oscars for instance). But he always finds time for his favourite sport - swimming. Martha HOBART American-born Martha decided long ago that big cities were not her thing. She now resides in a quiet neighbourhood near Tarragona, having previously lived in the Andalusian hills for some years. This interpreter and anthropologist specializes, among other things, in medical and dental interpretation - but amongst colleagues she's best known as a computer whizz, especially on a Mac. What many don't know is her vibrant musical side: she plays several instruments and enjoys choral singing and dancing. Michelle HOF Born in Canada to a Dutch father and a French-Canadian mother, it was the search for her roots that first sent Michelle off to Québec and then the Netherlands. Ever the restless soul, Michelle then spent long stints in Germany and the UK before ultimately settling down on Tenerife. These days, when she's not busy interpreting for the European Institutions, Michelle spends every free moment with her family, although she hopes to one day find time again for her two big loves, yoga and scuba diving. Patrícia LLUCH back to her beloved Barcelona. She's been all over Europe - Italy, Belgium, Germany - not to mention frequent getaways in Turkey, where she learned this "exotic" language and enjoys spending time in Istanbul, her second most favorite city. Tai chi and Pilates sessions are ideal to offset the wear and tear of all this globe trotting; maybe that's why she's so full of energy and yet disciplined and persistent at everything she takes on. Edwina MUMBRÚ Edwina is half English and half Spanish, and has a long track record in the Spanish domestic market as well as the European institutions. She moved to the Netherlands a few years ago with her family and further developed her institutional experience, but she decided to return to our warmer climes. For the time being she's coming to grips with Dutch and seizes every opportunity to sign up for dance workshops wherever they're available. Felix ORDEIG Half English and half Spanish, Felix has broad-ranging experience as an interpreter, particularly with the EU institutions and international organizations. All those hours cooped up in interpreting booths may help explain his penchant for hiking and mountain climbing. Maria PEARCE Born of British and Danish parents and brought up in Spain, Maria has made her home right here where she grew up. Although she's got nothing against the city, it's country living that gives her most energy and her drive to work, while also affording her the chance to indulge in one of her favorite pastimes - horses. Like some of our other members, Maria can always find time to delight others with delicious cookies and cakes. We're so lucky! Hugo POOLEY Hugo is our most British of members and as such is a non-stop globetrotter, both for business and leisure. He recently decided to move his base to Madrid. When not working he's likely to be found in a country with a coastline, getting ready to plunge into the sea and check out the underwater landscape. On dry land he can always be tracked down by the aroma of his exquisite cigars. Guiomar STAMPA Born in Madrid, Guiomar attended the German school there and eventually became a Catalan by adoption. She is AIB's Sales Director and as such has managed the interpreting at events such as the Expo Zaragoza 2008. Moreover, she is also prominent in the field of education and the culinary arts thanks to her skills and interests. If you ever lose track of her whereabouts, she may well have made off to some exotic beach or perhaps the opera. Lourdes RAMIREZ Born in Barcelona, and having completed her degree in her native town, Lourdes went off to the United States to further her education and decided to settle there for a few years. She then moved to Belgium, where she lived for 16 years, eventually bringing her family back to her home country to live within sight of her yearned-after Mediterranean, where she can get her favourite kinds of exercise: tennis, padel tennis, and sailing. Catherine SHERRY English by birth, Barcelonan by adoption, Catherine is bursting with energy and initiative. She combines interpreting with written translations and always has at least one project on the go. A practical woman, Catherine likes to zip through the busy city on her folding bicycle, which takes her anywhere and everywhere. In her spare time she exercises her fingers and her whole body by playing the piano and practicing yoga. Ursula ZUBER Our most "neutral" member is Ursula - after all, she's Swiss, along with being Spanish and French. She's the member with the longest career in interpreting and has travelled to many countries as a result. Although she remains dedicated to her interpreting work, she can always find slots for her favourite pastimes: gardening, cooking, her pets, travels, and good food.