The Makings of a United Nations Interpreter
The interpreting world is full of diversity, featuring interpreters from various linguistic backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences. Each interpreting role has its unique requirements—some demand specific degrees or certifications, while others do not. Among all interpreter roles, interpreting for the United Nations is considered one of the most prestigious and challenging positions. The Role of […]
3 Storylines to Watch for Team USA in the 2016 Olympics
On August 5th, 2016, the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio will commence. Before the cauldron is lit in Rio, here are a few stories to pay attention to if you are a fan of the United States. Michael Phelps’ Final Splash After announcing his retirement following the 2012 Summer Games in […]
What is Foreign Accent Syndrome?
Keypoints: Introduction Imagine waking up one day with a foreign accent you’ve never spoken before. This unusual phenomenon is known as Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS), a rare condition caused by neurological damage such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or multiple sclerosis. The effects are fascinating and puzzling, leaving researchers and neurologists intrigued. Foreign Accent […]
Difficult Languages to Simultaneously Interpret – Part II of II
Simultaneous Interpretation of Difficult Languages Simultaneous interpretation, where interpreters translate with minimal delay, is a challenging task for any language. However, some languages such as Korean and Navajo are especially difficult to interpret. In this article, we’ll explore the specific complexities of these languages and why they pose such challenges for interpreters, focusing on how […]
National Day Celebrations around the Globe
National days are celebrated with pride and joy across the world. These events are not just a reflection of a nation’s history but also an opportunity to cherish cultural heritage and independence. From the grand festivities of Qatar National Day to the traditional bonfires of Switzerland’s National Day, every country adds its unique flavor to […]
Food throughout Ramadan الطعام طوال رمضان
Muslims are in the midst of the holy month of Ramadan; which commenced on June 5th and will conclude on July 5th. Although renowned for its focus on prayer and fasting, two of the five pillars of the Islamic faith, food plays a vital role in the practice of Ramadan as well. In regards to […]
Difficult Languages to Simultaneously Interpret – Part I of II
Key Points Introduction Simultaneous interpretation is the process of interpreting spoken language in real time, usually with only a few seconds of lag. It is a demanding skill because the interpreter must listen, understand, process, and speak almost at the same time. While simultaneous interpretation can be challenging for any language, some languages require additional […]
Father’s Day Traditions Around the World
This Sunday, June 19th, the United States will be observing Father’s Day. Across the nation, families will honor their fathers with picnics, gifts, and other special events. At my Pennsylvania home Sunday afternoon, the grill will be warming up, baseball will be on the television, and my father will receive a gift from my sister […]
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Relay Interpretation
Key Points Even people familiar with relay interpretation often have gaps in their understanding. If you are completely new to the topic, there is no need to worry. This article begins with a clear explanation and then explores five important facts that many people do not realize about relay interpreting, especially in multilingual and international […]
Estevanico the Moor | A Historical Interpreter
Who Is Estevanico? Estevanico, also known as Estebanico or Mustafa Azemmouri, was a 16th-century figure of African origin whose legacy is closely tied to early exploration and interpretation in the Americas. Born in Azemmour, Morocco, he is remembered not only as an explorer but also as an early cultural and linguistic intermediary. His ability to […]