- A UN Interpreter is one
of the most integral members of the United Nations General Assembly. UN
Interpreters belong to the Interpretation Service, which is part of the Meetings
and Publishing Division. UN Interpreters benefit the United Nations General
Assembly because they work as a mediation between languages. The language
barrier is removed, due to the fast interpretative services these linguists
provide. They indirectly help to facilitate world policy and peacekeeping
efforts.
Types
- There are two types of UN
Interpreters. The first type of interpreter reads and translates text from one
language to another. This type of interpreter gets paid between 15 and 25 cents
per word. The second, and most in demand, type of UN Interpreter is the
simultaneous interpreter. This linguist translates speech from one language to
another while listening contemporaneously. The listening audience receives a
slight delay in hearing and understanding the message in their own language.
This type of interpreter can make up to $850 per day.
A Typical Day Begins with Preparation
- A typical day for a UN
Interpreter begins by reading over documents and materials that will be
discussed in the General Assembly meetings. It is necessary for the interpreter
to familiarize himself with what will be discussed, in order to put context into
their translation. There are times when an interpreter is unsure of a phrase or
meaning, and it helps to understand the overall direction of the speech.
Meetings
- The majority of a UN
Interpreter's day is spent in meetings. There are typically two 3-hour meetings
per day. UN Interpreters work in teams of two, swapping 30-minute shifts over
the duration of each meeting. Interpreting simultaneously requires a great deal
of mental concentration and agility. One must be able to translate the context
of the original speech, not just a word for word translation.
