Language barriers between individuals of different nationalities are disappearing as a result of the rapid advancement of technology. This has a significant impact on a career in simultaneous interpretation. We asked an interpreter-Tina to delve extensively into eight often asked questions.
Brief introduction:
Tina graduated from Shanghai International Studies University in 2008 with a Master's degree in Interpretation. She is engaged in Chinese-English simultaneous translation
Q1: What made you choose your current job among many careers?
A:"Full of challenges, I can constantly give myself input, contact the top talents and cutting-edge information in various industries."Q2: What educational background does the job require?
A: "The translation industry does not require a high educational background. The main professional quality required is excellent bilingual conversion ability and the ability to withstand on-site strain and pressure."Q3: What skills does this job require? What do you do at work?
A:"Rapid bilingual conversion is the most basic and necessary skill in this industry. In order to achieve this level, it is necessary to maintain a high intensity of foreign language input every day, especially listening. Therefore, I will listen to the news of major mainstream media in my daily spare time. Additionally, having a basic understanding of the latest information in various industries, paying attention to news and industry information is also essential."Q4:Are there any restrictions on where and when you can work?
A:"At present, the conferences that need to be simultaneous are both offline and online. Offline conferences are held at the venues of the organizer, which can be national/global hotels, exhibition centers, or company/association specific venues. Online meetings are also becoming more common after the pandemic, even at home. There is no time limit, and some international meetings may need to overcome jet lag if they are held abroad. Therefore, the conclusion is that there is no limit to the place and time of this industry, as it can be anywhere, any time." Q5: Do you think the future development of this career will be replaced by AI, such as ChatGPT?
A:"With the development of AI, it is true that some meetings will be replaced by machine translation. However, as of now, machines struggle with understanding subtle nuances, including colloquialisms and abbreviations, resulting in imperfect translations. Thus, interpreters are still necessary for situations where accuracy is crucial. Professional translations, on the other hand, might be replaced by AI. Machines do have their advantages."Q6:What challenges do you face during your work, especially for those new to the industry?
A:"For a pure language translator, the biggest challenge is the vast amount of specialized knowledge required for different industries. To excel in this field, continuous learning is essential. An interpreter may be exposed to a variety of topics in a single year, each with its own set of challenges. There is no single solution that fits all."Q7:What other job would you choose if you were not in this profession?
A:"Presently, I have ventured into different industries, such as training and insurance. Being an interpreter provides access to top talents and first-hand information from various fields, making career planning easier. After gaining an understanding of various industries, one can better determine their strengths and interests. I am not planning to quit anytime soon, as this profession continues to provide me with new insights and keeps me on track."Q8:What are the misconceptions and stereotypes people have about this profession?
A:"Many people tend to have a glamorized view of interpreters, often associating them with wealthy lifestyles and high-profile careers. This is further reinforced by media portrayals of interpreters as wearing stylish attire and working alongside industry leaders. In reality, the work of a simultaneous interpreter is more nuanced and requires constant improvement and dedication."
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