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Although
more and more people around the world are learning English and becoming
more proficient communicators, serious business meetings and negotiations
are still often conducted with the assistance of interpreters.
Never
assume that people do not speak English (or any other language), just
because they do not say anything. Making
this assumption can lead to embarrassing situations. In Japan, for example, there is often a spokesperson for
meetings.
On
the other hand, do not assume that everyone speaks English (or any other
language), even if you find people nodding and acknowledging your
comments. This may just be their way of being polite.
Many
people, even though they may be quite fluent in a foreign language, still
prefer to use an interpreter for several reasons:
| 1. |
Even a few mistakes can be costly or embarrassing.
In Asian cultures, there is always the risk of loosing
face!
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| 2. |
Using an interpreter is a way of buying time, giving
you the opportunity to formulate a response or evaluate
what is being said.
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| 3 |
There is a distinct advantage to communicating in
your own language, unless you are totally bilingual.
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Types of
Interpreting
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Simultaneous –
interpreter is in a soundproof booth, participants use
earphones
Whispering – the interpreter sits close and whispers as people speak.
This is similar to simultaneous interpreting without the booth and
earphones. It can be very distracting.
Consecutive – back and forth
interpretation.
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