There are many challenges for a company interpreter, including the inability to hear the speaker, understanding cultural touch-points, and the stress of always acting composed and neutral, no matter how tense or heated a meeting or conference gets. One of the most significant challenges when providing conference interpreting services, though, is interpreting jokes, humor and sarcasm.
Company Interpreter & Corporate Humor
In a corporate environment, a company interpreter must be quick to adapt and improvise in order to deliver the joke. Because humor is used as a way to establish a good rapport with a client, an interpreter for business must be able to convey this key component of conversation. If the interpreter is providing conference interpreting within an international setting, they may face the uncomfortable possibility of being the middle-man between a culturally-insensitive joke and an important client. In this sense, there are many factors to consider when interpreting humor.
The first factor is understanding the joke. Because they are spontaneous, jokes are built on a structure that starts with representing the set-up of the joke, then detecting an incongruity, and finally, appreciating it and resolving the incongruity. This can be very nuanced and complicated to interpret. Similarly, translating sarcasm is another challenge. It’s especially challenging because it’s necessary to capture the relationship between tone of voice, body language and expressions. The fact is, humor is based on more than words. It is effective because both body and mind are involved in the delivery. Of course, this makes it all the more challenging to provide interpretation or translation services. The last factor to consider is that the type of humor will have a significant impact for the company interpreter. Jokes as a rule, but then even specific kinds of humor, are not something everyone can execute naturally. However, it is a skill that can improve with practice.
Good Timing Does Not Always Translate
Finally, in addition to overcoming the translation barrier, the simultaneous interpreter must also factor in the aspect of timing. Essentially, it is important for a company interpreter to be tactful because what are culturally acceptable jokes in one country may not be universal! Furthermore, the interpreter must be attentive to the purpose of humor. Oftentimes, unexpected jokes or an absurdity can be an essential part of the speaker’s message in an attempt to connect with the listeners.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
