Introduction

The lectures so far have focused only on written texts, but translation can be done orally also. Just think of how many times we have to orally translate for ourselves in our daily lives – a film in another language, a sign board or a friend who is not fluent in our language. Don’t we translate? One of our ministers in the central cabinet was asked to explain his lengthy absence from the Lok Sabha. His answer was that he could barely understand the parliamentary proceedings as they were conducted in Hindi or English. He knew neither language. Nobody could insist that he learn English which is not an Indian language. He could not be asked to learn Hindi either, as it is not easy to master a new language and acquire the fluency to conduct state affairs in it. There was no recourse but to provide him with translation of the parliamentary proceedings, or in other words to provide him with an interpreter.

The minister’s predicament is representative of many citizens of the world today. The world has shrunk and brought us all closer, but the number of languages that separate us remain the same. As we travel around the world and meet other people, it becomes important to understand each other. But the world today increasingly resembles the tower of Babel where people attempt to communicate with each other in mutually incomprehensible languages. In this context, the role of interpreters or oral translators of oral language, have a very important role to play. They are in huge demand in very formal settings like political meetings between heads of state or high power business meetings in corporate boardrooms. They are also very useful for tourists who are visiting a totally unfamiliar country in terms of language and culture. However, they are like the invisible translators, rarely acknowledged for their help in negotiations or business deals. If two countries like US and North Korea were to have political meetings to sort out differences, think about how crucial the role of the interpreter, who acts as the mediator, will be!