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GET TO KNOW RMC: Q&A With Interpreter Aracelys de Olivero

12/9/2017

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For each week of the rest of the year, RMC Language Consultancy Limited would like to introduce you to members of its dynamic team.
This week we would like you to meet Ms. Aracelys de Olivero, one of our hard-working interpreters specialising in English into Spanish and vice versa.

Have a look at our Q&A with Aracelys below!
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RMC: Why did you decide to become an interpreter?
Aracelys: My father was a Trinidad national and my mother is Venezuelan . As a child my grandmother ran a boarding and lodging business from our home for Spanish-speaking students. I had to assist whether it was washing the dishes or cleaning the yard. My favourite “service” was interpreting for the tenants who would always seek my advice on the translation for the latest pop song. Sometimes my grandmother would even let me serve as a bilingual tour guide when a shopping trip was needed. It always amazed me to see two parties being able to understand each other because I supplied the necessary assistance.

RMC: Can you describe a working day in the life of an interpreter?
Aracelys: Unless you are called out for an urgent service, an interpreter’s day begins days before the actual job. Preparation is key. The interpreter is always early. One hour before the event starts he/she assures sure that all is in order depending on the type of interpretation needed. One must never assume that the client is aware of the interpreter's needs. Once the work begins, the adrenaline rush kicks in, there is no time for anything else but to focus on the speaker in order to understand and interpret as closely as possible. Control of voice is important. Audible and pleasant. Working with a partner is very useful especially if the workload is heavy and highly technical. Having knowledge of the topic is key here although good preparation will definitely pay off. At times an interpreter should make a decision on whether or not to accept the job if he/she is not skillful enough on the topic or has no knowledge of such. Many speakers forget or are not aware that there is interpretation ongoing and would continue to speak continuously without ceasing. This is a challenge, but the interpreter should never interrupt. Here is where the art of note-taking is also extremely important and your  partner is also there to help. While one partner interprets the partner must be fully focused also to assist when the other needs support. Even during a break or during lunch hour, the interpreter’s services are needed if there is a request to continue discussions between interested parties. At all times the interpreter must be well dressed, courteous and very professional in his/her conduct.

RMC: What changes would you like to see in the field of interpreting in Trinidad and Tobago?
Aracelys: Firstly, recognition as a professional. This means a change in legislation. Reasonable fees. The right to be able to stamp and sign translated documents instead of presenting them to the only two government authorities in the country to proofread the document. Not all translators/interpreters have access to these authorities so they are denied the right to generate profit as sole traders. There are not enough interpreters in Trinidad and Tobago so therefore, I wish to see institutions offering interpreting/translation as a career and even giving short courses. One foreign language should be mandatory in primary schools. Partnering with other countries of interest should also be under discussion.

RMC: Is the profession afforded its due respect?
Aracelys: In accordance with what was previously stated in question 3, I believe that the profession is not respected.

RMC: How do you see the interpreting industry evolving in the future?
​Aracelys: Trinidad & Tobago must come on board regarding regulations for interpreters/translators. The increasing entry of both legal and illegal migrants into Trinidad and Tobago and the CARICOM as a whole mandates that government take a close look at interpreting as a career Interpreters on the other hand must also be educated, well prepared and continue to  endeavor to give professional service including translation equipment instead of leaving it up to the client .
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RMC: How do you treat with cultural differences in the profession of interpreting?
Aracelys: Culture is always a controversial topic. The interpreter should be aware of the nationalities and culture of her audience, however at times it is still a challenge and so the interpreter should inquire if there is any doubt. If the interpreter errs and offends any culture, an immediate apology is necessary. Respect should always be shown toward all cultures.

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GET TO KNOW RMC: Q&A With Translator Gillian Sloane-Seale

12/9/2017

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For each week for the rest of the year, RMC Language Consultancy Limited would  like to introduce you to members of its dynamic team.
This week we would like you to meet Ms. Gillian Sloane-Seale, one of our hard-working translators specialising in French and Spanish into English.

Have a look at our Q&A with Gillian below!


RMC: Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions for our blog. Can you tell us, why did you decide to become a translator?
Gillian: I love learning and culture. The more languages I learn, the more accessible the world has become for me, feeding my curiosity about the world. As a translator, I am able to marry my love for learning about various sectors and subjects with my love for research, needed to ensure that terminology from various sectors is applied correctly.

RMC: How has the translation industry changed in the past few years?
Gillian: Like the rest of the world, technology (CAT software) and artificial intelligence (machine translation and post editing (MTPE) have now forever transformed the translation sector. Those naysayers who discount this transformational phenomenon are closing themselves off from the future and new opportunities.

RMC: How do you see the translation industry in the future?
Gillian: In what ways has technology impacted the industry positively and
negatively? I answered above.


RMC: Do you think translation receives its due respect as a profession?
Gillian:No, it doesn't. People still think that if you speak more than one language, you are qualified to call yourself a translator. Also, there is a mistaken belief that because machine translation (aka AI = artificial intelligence) is becoming an indispensable tool in the translation industry, that it will soon replace
human translation. I believe that we are far from there. We both need each other for a long time yet because until AI can truly distinguish nuanced language and translate nuances, human translators will be here for a long time yet.


RMC: It is preferable for translators to translate into their native tongue, why do you think this is? Do you agree?
Gillian: Not necessarily. A non-native translator can be completely immersed into another language and culture 100%, i.e., living, eating, sleeping and breathing a foreign language to the point of being native.

RMC: How long have you been collaborating with RMC Language Consultancy Limited?
Gillian: Since its inception!

RMC:When you are not translating what do you enjoy doing?
Gillian:Travelling, reading, international politics, studying, dining out, movies, including Netflix and some interior decorating

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GET TO KNOW RMC: Q&A With Interpreter Chelsea Charles

12/9/2017

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For each week
of the rest of the year, RMC Language Consultancy Limited would like to introduce you to members of its dynamic team.

This week we would like you to meet Ms. Chelsea Charles, one of our hard-working interpreters specialising in French and Spanish into English.
Have a look at our Q&A with Chelsea below!

RMC: Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions for our blog. What  are some common myths about interpreting?
Chelsea: People think interpretation is easy i.e., you can simply walk in and begin to interpret. You actually have to do quite a bit if research and reading on the topic before even considering sitting in the booth.

RMC: Which do you prefer, interpreting or translation?
Chelsea: I prefer interpretation, hands down. I love that you have to produce on the
spot. It is absolutely magical when the interpreter almost seems to bond with the speaker, to be so in sync that it is almost as if the interpreter is psychic, knows exactly what the speaker is going to say.
RMC: What has your experience been as an interpreter in Trinidad and Tobago?
Chelsea:I have had very good experiences. I have worked a few regional conferences as well as business meetings. The scale of the meeting may vary, but my role as interpreter, a conduit facilitating communication and connections, is always thrilling and rewarding.

RMC: 
Do language students understand the link between culture and language?
Chelsea: Culture is so much more than art or monuments. I personally think it is a way of life, something intrinsic, unique, embedded in one's DNA. To learn a  language to truly appreciate it, you have to experience the culture associated with that language; so no, students, unless they have an opportunity to travel, don't often appreciate the importance of culture.

RMC: What do you believe to be the most important lesson that a language student can learn?
Chelsea: Language is alive, it is always changing, there is always something new to learn or discover about a language.

RMC: 
When you are not teaching or interpreting, what do you enjoy doing?
Chelsea: I am a bookworm who loves to travel and I appreciate good food!


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