Simultaneous interpreters during international meetings.
Good relationships sometimes depend on small things. The level and quality of simultaneous interpreters’ work can influence the exchanges between world leaders in a positive or negative way, with serious consequences.
President Macron and President Putin during the meeting at Fort de Brégançon.
The recent example of the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron on August 19, 2019, at Brégançon, illustrates this point. The work of the group of simultaneous interpreters for French media journalists was significantly different from that done by RT France (Russian media) interpreters, an incident noticed by many viewers and Internet users. Fortunately, in this case, the differences in interpretation did not have serious consequences for a good geopolitical relationship. However, some cases can end with very negative consequences.
Historically, there have been several cases in our history where simultaneous interpreters and translators have changed the course of events.
L’exemple le plus tragique est malheureusement celui-ci :
The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki could have been avoided, due to a translation error that could have been prevented, following the interpretation of the Japanese term “Mokusatsu” which was translated as “ignore with contempt” but was interpreted in the wrong context. This led to the largest massacre of the 20th century, with the United States dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The reality was simply a confusion and haste of journalists who misinterpreted Kantaro Suzuki’s use of the term “Mokusatsu” to mean “ignore with contempt” instead of “no comment for now,” a term with a double meaning that could be interpreted as “contempt.” We know the rest of the story. Can we say that a reflection should be made regarding the professionalism of interpreters and especially not to mix two professions into one! Journalist and interpreter are not the same profession.
Other examples exist, with less severe consequences in terms of loss of human lives, but still have an impact.
Confusion during the Sudanese referendum in February 2010.
Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations,
was reported by AFP as saying “We will work hard to avoid possible secession.” In reality, Ban Ki-moon had told journalists that he was in favor of a unified Sudan, stating, “We will try to work hard to make this unity attractive.” The result was a major incident in Sudan that took some time to dissipate.
The abandonment of Jimmy Carter by the United States?
In 1977, Jimmy Carter, the President of the United States, visited Poland with a Russian interpreter who spoke Polish but lacked professional training in the language! President Carter allegedly claimed that he had “abandoned” the United States for Poland. In reality, he was simply referring to the “aspirations for the future” of the Polish people.
Fortunately, in this particular case, the most serious consequence was the premature departure of the interpreter and some joking by the Poles.
The infamous “We will bury you”
Another approximate translation during the Cold War. In 1956, the Prime Minister of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev, had an expression distorted: It should have been “we will outlast you” or “we will defeat you,” which is the correct translation, but it turned into “we will bury you”… It must be admitted that, given the context, this could quickly escalate. Once again, the responsibility of the interpreter was heavily involved.
Many other cases exist, and the question arises when technology thinks it can replace the interpreter. Is this a good idea given the responsibilities involved and the possible consequences?
An Italian expression perfectly illustrates the subject “Traduttore, traditore,” which literally means “translator, traitor” and proves that in international politics, the exercise is really delicate and even dangerous.
In conclusion, it is up to you to decide whether the interpreter is a traitor or not!
A comprehensive article on the subject:
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About The Author: Eleonora Larina
Eleonora Larina
Gérante Larina Translation et essayiste littéraire
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