When I started interpreting in Korea, I was very happy to meet so many interesting people. Most Koreans I met while interpreting, they never forgot to give me compliments later. “How did you study English, How long will it take to speak English as fluently as you do?” Their comments sometimes made me feel proud of myself.
But, now I am not very excited about this work anymore.Interpreters can’t express their opinions. Interpreters have to be a tool like captioning on TV!
About a month ago, I was interpreting a Korean lady having a 30 minute interview with a government officer. She and I chatted a little before it started. I told her not to ask any personal questions after the interview started, because the regulations say that I have to translate everything.
The interview started and things were going well. The interviewer told us to wait a few minutes while she updated her information, and the Korean lady asked me with a whisper: “What time is it now?” According to the regulations, I had to interpret this. “She asks what time it is.” I said to the officer. The Korean lady looked surprised. Maybe she felt betrayed.
I will recollect some interesting stories related to my interpreting work and blog the most unforgettable stories.
lol, long time Dong!
haha I can’t wait Maaang.