My biggest pet hate as an interpreter

man in suit jacket standing beside projector screen

Let us do our job

When it comes to native checking of translations, you only change what absolutely must be changed. As much as possible, you don’t change the style of the translator, as frankly, it’s unnecessary. All you’re doing is giving yourself extra work unnecessarily.

On the same note, when you’re watching someone interpret or guide, never butt in, even if you think your interpretation or guide is better. Not only is it not necessary, it’s also a matter of opinion, and worse of all it can have a detrimental effect on the person’s performance. This stifles their own growth, which is worse than simply being rude.

If you must give feedback, at the very least wait until the person has finished, and even then don’t do it in front of a group of people. Enjoy the interpretation or guide for what it is, don’t get caught up in the nitty gritty.

And whatever you do, don’t butt in. Show a little restraint.

ENJOYED THIS? HAVE MORE.

MOUNTAINS OF WISDOM

Subscribe to my yamabushi newsletter

RECENT BLOG POSTS

The Mountain Changes
Tim Bunting AKA Kiwi Yamabushi on Zao-san
Don’t be stubborn
Tim Bunting AKA Kiwi Yamabushi on Zao-san
Curiosity is a good place to start

YAMABUSHI BLOG POSTS

person spreading hands against sun
Expression is key
I Never Thought I’d See This in Aotearoa New Zealand
WordPress and sunk costs

RANDOM POSTS

meditating buddha figurine
The promise of generosity
man person flying arm
The right questions
Cross-mediums
Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

Get In Touch

Sakata City, Yamagata, Japan 

tim@timbunting.com

Share this:

Like this:

Like Loading...
Scroll to Top