We were keen to learn more about our interpreters’ day-to-life working lives, so we spoke to one of our Arabic business interpreters, to find out exactly what it’s like….
Knockhundred: So, you’ve been working with us for quite some time now, perhaps you could tell us a little about what your daily working life is like?
Omar: Well, to be honest it varies a lot… and I mean a lot. This last week I’ve been working with a big business based in the South (of England), so it’s working with overseas visitors, telling them about the things the company produces. With business interpreting, it’s usually consecutive… I mean consecutive interpreting…
Knockhundred: Sorry, can you explain what that means for our readers?
Omar: Yeah, so with consecutive interpreting, when I’m interpreting in Arabic, I wait until the Arabic speaker has finished and then I say what he’s said in English (or I work the other way round, into Arabic). It’s kind of like a relay. With simultaneous interpreting its different. You are verbally translating what someone is saying almost at the same time – with headphones, a booth… That’s really hard – a real challenge.
Knockhundred: I see, I get it. So could you tell us a little more about Arabic consecutive interpreting, for businesses?
Omar: Yeah, sure. So as I said, I was working in the South of England. I was helping overseas visitors, telling them about a product. I also had to help interpreting a presentation for them, which was really good fun. There were various question and answer sessions and a visit to the production site – it all went really well.
Knockhundred: Do you always work alone?
Omar: No, sometimes if it is a big business, and there are lots of Arabic speakers, then they need say, two or three Arabic interpreters. I have some colleagues who I work with regularly, every two months or so.
Knockhundred: And do you sometimes work for the same business, for repeat assignments I mean?
Omar: Yes, of course. Some UK companies already have a strong relationship with Arabic companies. So sometimes the same Arabic visitors come back, often there are several trips. In those cases, I often see the same people again, which is really good – we have a good relationship.
Knockhundred: Well, thanks so much for telling me a little about what it’s like. I know you have an appointment to get to, so I won’t take any more of your time. Have a good day.
Omar: You too. Thank you.
Further Information
Should you require our help with Arabic Translation and Interpreting do not hesitate to get in touch with us and our team will do their best to help you.
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