With this in mind, we are now looking into delivering our courses virtually, over the internet. We are looking into several options of delivering our continuing education courses to our interpreters…creating a virtual classroom; something that would allow multiple video streams, screen/presentation sharing, etc.

Our first idea was vyew.com. We were originally hopeful that this service would be just what we were looking for as you could simply upload a PowerPoint presentation and view and share the presentation through the webapp. The problem is that there was a limit to the size of the presentation that could be uploaded; around 40 slides. Another issue that came up with this product was it would not load slide transitions. This was a deal breaker for our Training Manager as he had developed his curriculum in a specific way, and did not want to compromise on the delivery regardless of the tool used. They did have the screen sharing functionality, but the delay between the presenter and the user was, in our opinion, unacceptable.

The second idea was to use Google Hangouts. Google Hanguouts does allow multiple video streams and screen sharing, but there was a HUGE screen flicker rate that occurred when sharing the PowerPoint presentation. So unless we wanted our training manager to go into a seizure, this simply wouldn’t work either. We tried using the Google Docs app for this as well, but in addition to the flickr rate, there was also the issue of not being able to play the presentation. Yes, you could share the slides, but there the trainer could not control the flow of the presentation. In order to synchronise the presentation between presenter and viewer, the presenter would need to announce when the viewer should progress on their own slides…not a great way to give an online presentation.

Finally checked out GotoMeeting. This had all the features that we would require: Multiple video streams, screen sharing (with very little lag time), the ability to mute others, change presenters, plus very many other features that could come in handy. We will be trialling the application with our Training Manager next week. Hopefully, this will be just what we need. Another great advantage with this product is that it would be available to us through TechSoup at a reduced price for non-profit organisations.

• available during normal working hours
• a NZ citizen or holder of Permanent Residence status
• preferably living in NZ for 18 months or more.

If selected, you will join our training course. Successful trainees will be employed on a casual basis at an excellent rate of pay.

For more details and to apply online visit our website or phone 04 9162462 for an application form. Applications close Friday, 27 January 2012.

Court Room Interpreter

On November 2nd, we published an article regarding interpreting problems highlighted by the New Zealand Supreme Court.  Quite recently, we came across an ABC radio program regarding using court room interpreters.

This program discusses many of the same issues that were addressed by the New Zealand Supreme court, as well as others such as perception of interpreters as well as working conditions for Interpreters in Australian courts.

It is a very interesting program, and we think you might gain some insight into using court room interpreters. You can find the audio program here: http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/2011/12/lrt_20111206_0830.mp3

Interpreter problems highlighted by Supreme Court – National – NZ Herald News
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/articl…
An Ethiopian man who appealed against his conviction for a Wellington rape, claiming the quality of interpreting provided during his trial was inadequate, has failed to have the conviction

Wednesday 16 November 11

Time

5:30 pm, (drinks & nibbles)

6:00 pm start of proceedings

Speaker

Wellington City Councillor, Ms Stephanie Cook (Social portfolio).

Please come and join us to celebrate another successful year, and to vote for the new governing board for the 2011/12. If you’re interested in being on the board, please get in touch with any of the board members or Robyn—we’ll be happy to talk to you about it.

Current board members are:

Michael Till (Chair)
Brian Derwin (Treasurer)
Rachel McKee
Sarjon Warde
Josephine Chiou
Sanying Huang
Natalia Sumenko
Pushpa Wood
Paul Mitchell
Nevine Boutros
Leo Saumure (Staff representative)
Robyn Pask (CE)
You can also check out the Interpreting New Zealand constitution on our website.

RSVP

For more information: Ph:916 2462 or email info@interpret.org.nz

You might think that being an English speaker at a Chinese language workshop might get a bit tedious and boring, but I found it completely fascinating!

As I am an immigrant to NZ, there are many phrases and idioms that I was not familiar with at first:

“Shout you a drink.”

“Sweet as”

“Pork pies” (I just learned this one a couple days ago)

…and don’t get me started on “Bring a Plate!” It was difficult enough for me understanding these things, and I speak English! Now add to this the complication of coming at it from a completely different, non-Latin based, language, where their culture played just as strong a role in the development of their language as NZ culture played in the development of its language.  This is what I find amazing.

During the workshop, there were many spirited discussions about best methods for interpreting from English to Mandarin/Cantonese:

…the interpretation can change the emphasis from the noun to the verb.

…you wouldn’t say it that way in Cantonese.

…we already have a phrase for that.

…don’t focus on interpreting word for word.  Instead, say it the Chinese way.

Luckily, almost all of the discussions that were taking place were in English, so it gave me some insight into the challenges and difficulties that occur when interpreting from one language to another.  It also gave me insight into the interpreters themselves. Others who may have been listening to some of these animated discussions may have thought that some of interpreter’s arguments were merely pedantic.  But it occurred to me that the reason that these debates are taking place is because of the value placed on ensuring that interpreting is complete and accurate as is possible; ensuring that not only the words are interpreted properly, but also the meaning behind the words.

All-in-all, I was captivated by the evening’s proceedings and look forward to attending the remaining two workshops.

I did an informal poll in the office, and if memory serves, about 1/2 said they would not want to interpret in such situations and 1/2 said it wouldn’t bother them  I’m not making any judgements about anyone’s opinion in this matter, as I know that every person is an individual, and the processes that go into their decisions are based on an entire history of culture, environment, past decisions, prospective consequences of future decisions, etc.
I was quite intrigued by everyone’s opinions on the matter as we went around the room discussing why they would or would not want to interpret in these types of situations, and we had a marvellous discussion about it. I am also interested in your opinion. As such, below I have set up an informal poll on the matter.

Here is the situation:

Let’s say, as an interpreter, you were asked to interpret in a clinical setting where the patient was the opposite gender from you. If the patient were a man, you would be interpreting for a vasectomy procedure. If the patient were a woman, you would be interpreting for a cervical smear test.  Neither the doctor nor the patient minds that you are the opposite gender. Prior to the procedure, you meet the patient and doctor face-to-face to discuss the procedure. You are also asked to be in the same room (out of sight from the procedure) for the entire procedure in order to interpret.

Would you agree to interpret?

I will gather the responses for about a week, and then post the results on the blog next week. If you’d like to leave a comment or elaborate further on this topic, we’d love to hear from you; please leave a comment on the blog.

Internet Humour

As I am always looking for interesting content on the internet regarding language interpreting, I have set up various Google Alerts to let me know when there are news stories about interpreters throughout the world.

Today I received a link to a story regarding a BBC sign language interpreter who was sacked because she was changing the content of the news.  After reading the article, I was formulating ideas on how I wanted to respond to this news story; discussing how important it is to be professional, how an interpreter’s job has serious repercussions for all parties involved, etc.

It struck me however, after reading the article a second time, that some of the things the sign language interpreter was reporting seemed just a little too far fetched to believe. For instance the article stated:

…around the time of the Japanese earthquake several viewers emailed us to complain about our reports of radioactive zombies sighted near the nuclear reactor.

Reading this, I was initially shocked and outraged, but then something clicked and I said to myself: “Wait a minute!”  As it turns out, the article was written by The Poke, which is a UK humour website, and rather than checking the website itself, I began reading the article.  If I had not noticed, I would have a lot of egg on my face regarding the article I was going to post.  Let this be a lesson to everyone out there, always check your sources…especially on the internet!

If you’d like a laugh, you can find the original article here: http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2011/08/17/bbc-sign-language-interpreter-sacked-for-changing-the-news/

Oh, and FYI: entering your ATM pin backwards does not summon the police

It was a very interesting interview that not only discussed the use of New Zealand Sign Language, but also gave some insight into the deaf community.  You can listen to the interview below, or find it at Radio NZ.