The role of simultaneous translators

by Sripathy Jayamaha

The role of the translator is indispensable in the daily functioning of the world. He is a vital component at conferences, be they international or national or diplomatic deliberations between two countries.

As much as the role played by simultaneous translators enclosed in cubicles in their efforts in striving to convey the accurate translations to a multi-lingual audience, translators sit behind distinguished people listening intently.

The translator should be very knowledgeable in both languages and have a general background of the subjects discussed.

Above all, he should have the unique ability to transfer the feelings, jokes, subdued humour, puns and interesting experiences exchanges by his subjects, keeping in mind that those awaiting for their translations are quite competent in the language of the other.

He should be very empathetic. Any lapse in his translations could cause diplomatic upheavals.

He could also be more diplomatic than diplomats by manoeuvring his words so as to mellow down flared tempers. He could at times make meetings to end up with smiles and handshakes.

At a seminar on domesticated quadrupeds, an East African delegate had spoken much about the different breeds of pakas found in the street and homes.

An amiable Sri Lankan translator said Paka in Swahili means a cat. The participants were satisfied.

A tour guide or even an ordinary citizen with a fair knowledge of a foreign language could be a simultaneous translator. No super class computer could ever dream of performing the duties of a simultaneous translator.

There was a Sri Lankan Anglican Father in the early 1950s who could read, speak and deliver a sermon in Sinhala, Tamil, English, German, French, Spanish and Greek.

He was a simultaneous translator par excellence.

Translators too have played a vital role in the history of the world. Without them man would be living in a well of ignorance. Epics have been translated and have given the world a glimpse of literary excellence in ancient writings.

Libraries around the world are full of translations of masterpieces. The Mahawamsa, Bhagawath Geetha, Tripitika, the Bible and Koran have been written in many languages. So are popular novels.

The translators of books and documents have the time, books to refer, access to dictionaries, atlases, bibliographies and reference books.