As an English to Italian interpreter for business conferences in Rome, I always ask my clients to provide any slides or notes that they have prepared to deliver their speech. As officials get prepared for their official speech, so do I. In addition to all the research and study that I routinely conduct for the preparation of all my conference interpreting sessions, I really appreciate any further materials that clients are willing to provide in advance. All information will be handled with the strictest confidentiality, as the professional interpreters code of ethics lays down.
Any examples? When a speaker quotes an official text, for instance, the interpreter must research the official translation of that text, in order to be loyal to the quote. This surely allows the interpretation to be smoother when delivering the translation. This is especially true when the English quote comes from a text that was originally written in Italian. In that case, the interpreter should look for the original text rather than guessing how it was originally conceived.
Another important thing that interpreters must be able to manage is the use of allusions, especially when a humorous tone is used to soften a message and convey a sense of light self-deprecation. A famous example is reported in the 12th chapter of the book Interpretation Techniques and Exercises by James Nolan. The example comes from a French official speech delivered at an international meeting. The speaker made a reference to a fable by La Fontaine, in which a double standard allows stronger animals to blame the weak donkey of all animal sins. The fable is not well known in non-French speaking countries, therefore the interpreter switched to an allusion to the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz, which is easily recognized as it pertains to American literature. Getting any notes or slides in advance certainly allows interpreters to have more time to research any references and find an appropriate equivalent, when possible.
Do you need an English to Italian interpreter for business conferences in Rome?
Call +393336841604 or contact info@speakando.net.
