I have been sent some documents as I am conference interpreting next week. I go through the powerpoint presentation, checking the vocabulary for any new concepts. Every industry has its own jargon, and sometimes there can be linguistic challenges. It is better to do the homework, so I can be fully prepared. This also helps interpreters look professional when they are on their assignment. I am grateful for the internet; it would have been a lot harder ‘in the old days’ to get acquainted with these new concepts and learn about the company I am interpreting for.
I keep an eye on the time, as I have been booked for a doctor’s appointment. My thoughts switch from business interpreting to public service interpreting. After a quick bite to eat I head for the surgery in question. This time it is in Norwich, so not too far to travel. I arrive at reception and announce to the member of staff that I am here. The patient arrives and the doctor calls us in. The patient explains her problems and I tell the doctor what she has said. The doctor offers advice, which I interpret and hands her a prescription. The appointment doesn’t last long, and because the patient has been able to communicate effectively by having an interpreter present, no time is wasted on a return visit to the GP. I leave, happy to know that the patient’s problems have been solved. There is great job satisfaction most of the time!
I return home and log on to do some telephone interpreting. Thanks to modern technology, I am able to assist with conference calls and other types of calls from the UK and beyond. This type of interpreting is greatly in demand now and has become very competitive. As I am logged on, the agency knows I am available to take calls so I am put through to various people in different situations. I spend some time dealing with customer service enquiries, insurance claims, hospital visits or help deal with immigration issues and situations arising in prison. There is certainly variety in this job!
The working day draws to a close – at least for those in a 9 to 5 job.
Not for me – the phone rings again – I have forgotten to log off. Ah well, just one more call…
And tomorrow? The same again? Oh no, tomorrow could be completely different! That is part of the attraction of this job! One thing is for sure: I will carry on helping those who cannot communicate with whom they need to because of language barriers. There will be linguistic challenges along the way (I am always learning new words!) and sometimes ethical dilemmas, but I will go to bed knowing I have, hopefully, made a difference today.