Terp Tales – The difficulties in remaining impartial as an interpreter – Inder Singh
“It was providential, in the sense that I wasn’t actively seeking to ‘get into’ the interpretation field. I had decades of experience in teaching Spoken English to the LEP people, virtually from all over the globe at my own Institute in India. It so transpired that my services were recommended (to a Language Services Provider) by a fellow church-goer when the Courts needed somebody and that, too, for a jury trial, to boot! That was my stepping stone (my ‘baptism’, so-to-speak!) that has now become my profession!
It is NOT work, per se, for me because I loooove what I do!
It is the sense of fulfillment…a satisfaction that I have contributed my mite in helping to provide the much-needed voice, literally, to the vast sea of the voiceless amongst us. This is because of no inherent fault of their own, except that they do not know (or are not well-versed in) the ‘language-of-the-land’!
In a day’s work, there are umpteen number of instances when one is tempted to speak up and advocate for the helpless (and hapless!) They are unable to appropriately and completely express their thoughts, their issues, their pain, their suffering to the authority figures (the ‘powers-that-be!), be they in the healthcare, legal, community or in any other sphere!
I find it extremely difficult to restrain myself…and to refrain from advocating on their behalf!
There are innumerable tools-of-the-trade, not the least of which is continuing education, whereby one tries to delve deep into the virtually un-ending expanse of language, nuance, accuracy and dedication. These spur one on to better comprehend—and perform—where and when it matters the most!
Social Media Groups and professional associations play a huge part—and pay rich dividends—by way of honing skills, increasing knowledge and, thereby, exposing ourselves to varying and unique perspectives: Watch <> Read <> Listen…>>> and LEARN!
There are multitudinous opportunities in the Legal, Healthcare, Community, Conference/Corporate and other ‘domains’, both on-site and remote! Thus far, much of my own ‘practice’ (!) has been concentrated on-site, though remote (‘off-shore’!) opportunities are rearing up their heads…sort-of like beacons that beckon towards lush and lucrative ‘verdure’!
Relentless competition (sometimes cut-throat, even!) leads to the under-cutting of professional fees (more so by the under-qualified/desperate!)
Many have thrown their hats in the ring in order to make a quick buck! I somehow feel that this profession is—imperceptibly, yet palpably—turning its collective back on the profession and morphing into a business that borders on being unscrupulous at times!
However, it is never too late—for ALL—to try to make amends and put the profession back on track!”
-Inder
