In 1956, a diplomatic event in Moscow became the stage for a linguistic misunderstanding that could have had severe consequences. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev made a statement to Western Bloc ambassadors, “My vas pokhoronim!” which was translated into English as, “We will bury you!” This translation sent shockwaves through the Western world, intensifying the already tense Cold War relations between the Soviet Union and the United States. The phrase was meant to convey that Communism would outlast Capitalism, a far less aggressive sentiment. Although the intended meaning was eventually clarified, the initial translation had already sparked fears of potential nuclear conflict.
Given the complexities of language and cultural nuances, how do such misunderstandings not occur more frequently? The answer lies in the expertise and training of interpreters, who are crucial in bridging language gaps. Historically, interpretation was done consecutively, with speakers and interpreters taking turns. However, the development of radio technology after World War II introduced simultaneous interpretation. This method allows interpreters to translate a speaker’s words in real-time, enabling audiences to choose their preferred language without any pauses.
While simultaneous interpretation may appear seamless, it requires immense effort and skill. Interpreters undergo about two years of rigorous training to enhance their vocabulary and develop the necessary skills. Initially, students practice by shadowing speakers, repeating their words verbatim in the same language. Gradually, they learn to paraphrase and make stylistic adjustments. Eventually, they incorporate a second language, creating new neural pathways in their brains. This constant practice makes the complex task of simultaneous interpretation second nature.
Interpreters master various techniques to handle the fast pace, complex terminology, and diverse accents they encounter. They might use acronyms, opt for generic terms, or rely on visual aids like slides. If needed, they can leave a term in its original language while searching for the best translation. Interpreters also maintain composure in unpredictable situations, such as large assemblies like the UN General Assembly, where they have no control over the speaker’s clarity or the topics discussed.
To manage the demands of their role, interpreters prepare extensively. They build glossaries, read about the subject matter, and review past talks. Typically, interpreters work in pairs; one translates while the other provides support by finding documents and looking up unfamiliar terms. Due to the intense concentration required, they switch roles every 30 minutes, relying on effective teamwork to succeed.
Language is inherently complex, and when abstract or nuanced ideas are lost in translation, the consequences can be significant. As author Margaret Atwood famously said, “War is what happens when language fails.” Conference interpreters are acutely aware of this risk and work diligently to ensure that language barriers do not lead to misunderstandings or conflicts.
Engage in a role-playing exercise where you and a partner take turns being the speaker and the interpreter. Choose a complex topic and practice consecutive interpretation. This will help you understand the challenges interpreters face and the skills required to convey accurate messages.
Listen to a live or recorded speech in a foreign language and attempt to interpret it simultaneously into your native language. This exercise will enhance your ability to process information quickly and improve your multitasking skills, similar to professional interpreters.
Create a glossary of terms related to a specific field, such as politics or technology. Work in groups to research and compile accurate translations and definitions. This activity will help you appreciate the preparation interpreters undertake to ensure precise communication.
Listen to audio clips featuring different accents and dialects in a language you are learning. Try to interpret the content into your native language. This will improve your listening skills and adaptability, crucial for handling diverse speakers as an interpreter.
Form teams and simulate a conference setting where one person interprets while another provides support by researching terms and managing documents. Rotate roles every 30 minutes. This will give you insight into the teamwork and preparation involved in professional interpretation.
In 1956, during a diplomatic reception in Moscow, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev told Western Bloc ambassadors, “My vas pokhoronim!” His interpreter translated this into English as, “We will bury you!” This statement sent shockwaves through the Western world, heightening tensions between the Soviet Union and the US during the Cold War. Some believe this incident alone set East/West relations back a decade. However, Khrushchev’s remark was translated a bit too literally. Given the context, his words should have been rendered as, “We will live to see you buried,” meaning that Communism would outlast Capitalism—a less threatening comment. Although the intended meaning was eventually clarified, the initial impact of Khrushchev’s words put the world on a path that could have led to nuclear conflict.
So, given the complexities of language and cultural exchange, how does this sort of thing not happen all the time? Much of the answer lies with the skill and training of interpreters, who work to overcome language barriers. For most of history, interpretation was mainly done consecutively, with speakers and interpreters pausing to allow each other to speak. However, after the advent of radio technology, a new simultaneous interpretation system was developed in the wake of World War II. In the simultaneous mode, interpreters instantaneously translate a speaker’s words into a microphone while they speak. Without pauses, audience members can choose the language in which they want to follow.
On the surface, it all looks seamless, but behind the scenes, human interpreters work tirelessly to ensure every idea is conveyed as intended. This is no easy task. It takes about two years of training for already fluent bilingual professionals to expand their vocabulary and master the skills necessary to become conference interpreters. To get accustomed to the unnatural task of speaking while listening, students shadow speakers and repeat their every word exactly as heard in the same language. Over time, they begin to paraphrase what is said, making stylistic adjustments as they go. Eventually, a second language is introduced. Practicing in this way creates new neural pathways in the interpreter’s brain, and the constant effort of reformulation gradually becomes second nature.
Through hard work, interpreters master a vast array of techniques to keep up with speed, deal with challenging terminology, and handle various foreign accents. They may use acronyms to shorten long names, choose generic terms over specific ones, or refer to slides and other visual aids. They can even leave a term in the original language while searching for the most accurate equivalent. Interpreters are also skilled at maintaining composure in chaotic situations. They have no control over who will speak or how articulate the speaker will be, and unexpected challenges can arise at any time. Additionally, they often perform for large audiences in intimidating settings, such as the UN General Assembly.
To manage their emotions, interpreters carefully prepare for assignments by building glossaries in advance, reading extensively about the subject matter, and reviewing previous talks on the topic. They typically work in pairs; while one interpreter translates incoming speeches in real time, the other provides support by locating documents, looking up words, and tracking down relevant information. Because simultaneous interpretation requires intense concentration, the pair switches roles every 30 minutes. Success relies heavily on effective collaboration.
Language is complex, and when abstract or nuanced concepts get lost in translation, the consequences can be significant. As Margaret Atwood famously noted, “War is what happens when language fails.” Conference interpreters are acutely aware of this and work diligently behind the scenes to ensure it never happens.
Interpreters – Individuals who translate spoken language in real-time to facilitate communication between people who speak different languages. – In international conferences, interpreters play a crucial role in ensuring that all participants can understand and contribute to the discussions.
Language – A system of communication used by a particular community or country, consisting of spoken, written, or signed words and the rules for combining them. – The study of language is fundamental in understanding cultural and social dynamics across different societies.
Translation – The process of converting text or speech from one language into another to convey the same meaning. – Accurate translation is essential in diplomatic negotiations to prevent any potential misunderstandings.
Misunderstandings – Failures to understand something correctly, often leading to confusion or conflict. – Misunderstandings in historical texts can lead to incorrect interpretations of past events.
Skills – The ability to do something well, often as a result of experience and training. – Effective communication skills are vital for social studies students to articulate their arguments clearly.
Training – The process of learning the skills necessary for a particular job or activity. – Training in critical thinking is a key component of a social studies curriculum.
Techniques – Methods or ways of carrying out a particular task, especially in a systematic or established way. – Researchers in social studies often employ qualitative techniques to gather in-depth insights into human behavior.
Teamwork – The combined action of a group, especially when effective and efficient. – Successful projects in social studies often rely on teamwork to integrate diverse perspectives and expertise.
Vocabulary – The body of words used in a particular language or by a particular group of people. – Expanding one’s vocabulary is essential for students to engage with complex academic texts.
Communication – The act of conveying meanings from one entity or group to another through the use of mutually understood signs, symbols, and rules. – Effective communication is a cornerstone of social studies, enabling the exchange of ideas and fostering understanding among different cultures.
