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 »
I was twenty years old when my journey of learning began. As a volunteer minister, I took a vow of poverty and served at the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society. Not only did I learn many of my life lessons there, but I also learned about working safely on a scaffold. A few years later,
A life of learning Read More »
Hello everybody! Welcome to my blog reboot. Hopefully, I have not lost too many followers. Let’s begin with a 2020 recap of our company. Next, 2021 intentions will be shared with you. First, I am very grateful because we survived! The beginning of 2020 was exciting, hopeful, and full of plans. I began attending Columbia
It has been one crazy year! 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 »
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 »
This was originally posted in 2011 with a couple of updates. When interpreting, accuracy is absolutely necessary. There is no room for mistakes. In a medical setting for example, the patient needs to know what the doctor is saying. Likewise, the doctor must know the patient’s concerns in order to perform his vital job correctly.
I am tickled pink to be interpreting! Read More »
This blog was originally written in 2011based on my experience. I cannot tell you how many times the following has come up. The other day a physical therapist turned to me and said “I wish your team were doing our interpreting!” I asked her why. The therapist replied that over many years she had observed
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 »
Archway also bridges the gap in communication by offering a wide variety of interpreting and translation services.
