As discussed in Conduits of Communication Part 1, there is a valid reason why it has been taught that interpreters are conduits of communication. By categorizing interpreters into unemotional machinery, the issue of interpreter bias is perceived to have been addressed. However, often resolving one problem creates new ones. For instance, in 2015, my downstairs […]
Conduits of communication? Part 2 Read More »
A number of years ago, I was assigned for the first time to interpret for a patient receiving aquatic therapy. I was in a large, indoor, aquatic center. The atmosphere was quite warm in order to keep the swimmers comfortable. I stood uncomfortable, sweating profusely on the side of the pool shouting instructions to the
Interpreting at Aquatic Therapy Read More »
No doubt you are familiar with this scenario. You walk into a room and say hello to everyone. No one responds, because they all seem to be zombies with their mouths slightly open and their complete attention on the television. In fact you can just about say anything like “I quit my job” or “I
Social media and antisocial behavior Read More »
Shortly after September 11, 2001 I found myself with a very bad cold. (Click here for my experience on 911.) I was coughing and short of breath. The cold became bronchitis, and seemed to go on forever. My doctor referred me to an allergist. My allergist referred me to a pulmonologist, noticing something in the
What I learned from chronic illness Read More »
From time to time, I find myself interpreting at an assignment and another interpreter observes. It is not the most comfortable feeling to have someone listen to everything you say, ready to point out any mistake that is made. This is the case sometimes when I have been assigned to interpret by the insurance company,
Being watched by another interpreter! Read More »
I originally wrote this in 2012. I find it funny because it still happens from time to time. Sometimes the interpreter finds himself in very unusual circumstances. I have talked about the uncomfortable feeling of interpreting vulgar language. How about interpreting for someone inappropriately flirting? A while back, I was assigned to interpret for a
When the interpreter has to deal with someone flirting Read More »
I originally wrote this in 2011 and since that time the experience has occurred over and over again. It never gets easier. I was recently interpreting for a patient at a doctor’s appointment. The doctor entered the room and in a very clear, straight forward way, told the patient that he had tried everything he
One day, after introducing myself to a new patient, he began to rattle off a list of issues he wanted me to later tell the doctor. He detailed all his pains and trepidations, and urged me to address all of them with the doctor. I explained that if he needed to write down all his
“That’s how I lost my last interpreter!” Read More »
(This was another blog series from 2011. The current world pandemic makes telephonic and video conference interpreting more important than ever. However I basically still agree with my opinion from over ten years ago!) Recently I was assigned to interpret for a patient at a hospital for pre-surgery. When the patient entered the room, the
Telephone Interpreting -Thumb/Toe Read More »
Interpreters must be diligent in following ethical guidelines. A while back, I was assigned to interpret at a doctor’s office. When I arrived and introduced myself to the patient, he stated, “I already have an interpreter!” The interpreter entered the office, wondering why I was there. A few moments later, a nurse case manager came
Counting Words! Why interpreters should not add to what is said. Read More »
Phone : (864) 271-2954
Email : office@ArchwaySL.com
Address : P.O. Box 27309 Greenville, SC 29616
Archway also bridges the gap in communication by offering a wide variety of interpreting and translation services.
Archway also bridges the gap in communication by offering a wide variety of interpreting and translation services.
