When we think of interpretation, we tend to think about places like the UN, the EU or other equally prestigious institutions. We picture highly qualified professionals in crisp suits, mingling with the leaders of the day. What we fail to realise, however, is that there are a lot of interpreters whose day to day is markedly different to those EU or UN interpreters (the so-called conference interpreters), we are talking about public service interpreters.
You are more likely to see public service interpreters at refugee camps or hospitals than at the UN. They play a vital role in our society, making sure that the wheels keep turning (helping people in need at hospitals, with the police, immigration authorities, etc.) and now, more than ever, there service may be vital to saving lives.
The other day, worried about the events unfolding around the world (I am of course referring to the Covid-19 outbreak), I started thinking about all the medical interpreters that must be at work now trying to help patients communicate with their doctors. Now, more than ever, making sure that doctors can communicate with their patients is of vital importance.
If they are presented with a confirmed case, doctors need to know exactly where the patient has been and this is where the importance of the interpreters really come in. Nowadays, in infectious cases like this, many interpreters will do most of their work via VRI (video remote interpreter system, especially for sign language interpreters) or by phone in order to reduce the risk of infection.
Interpreting in these cases can be very difficult, apart from the risks that may be associated if interpreting in-person, there is an important psychological toll that may be enacted. These interpreters end up having to talk with people who have undergone serious trauma or who are in life threatening situations. This is also true in fields other than medical interpreting, those dealing with cases of victims of torture or rape also suffer.
I remember speaking with one of the head interpreters of the Tribunal of the Hague in a conference a few years ago, a very well educated, professional and friendly lady who had been working there for many years. She told me of the difficulties they had in recruiting interpreters. This is due to the fact that, apart from having to be an excellent interpreter, highly proficient in languages and well-versed in legal proceedings in order to interpret in such an illustrious institution, you also need to be able to maintain your composure and professionalism even when interpreting the most horrible stories imaginable. Interpreting for victims of torture, rape, genocide… it takes its toll.
So, this is why I think we should remember and honour this group of dedicated professionals who work hard behind the scenes, very rarely being seen or even noticed, but who offer a vital service, sometimes at the cost of their own well-being. Also, I would like to make a brief final mention to another group of interpreters who often risk their lives on a daily basis, those are the combat interpreters (in some military jargon also called translators) who go out into the field with the armed forces and who are also highly underappreciated.
Thank you all of you for your service.