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| Interpreting for Humanitarian and Military Operations in Thailand by Ron Smith of S-3 Services |
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| One of the most crucial tools required to effectively accomplish any mission where multiple languages and cultures are involved is the ability to communicate ones ideas, goals, and objectives while sustaining mutual understanding and respect for each other's customs and cultural sensitivities. To achieve this requires a competent, professional interpreter or translator who is knowledgeable of much more than merely the right word or the wrong word. |
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Each mission brings with it new and creative elements to the art of interpreting. I refer to interpreting as an art because it truly takes a skilled language artist to convey the intended meaning of one language into another. This is especially difficult while considering the complexities of idioms, slang, jargon and humor, or the subtleties of inferences, nuances, and double-entendres, not to mention the diversities in cultures, customs and traditions. And then there is the English language itself, with its annoying synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.
For some 10 years, S-3 Services in Thailand has provided interpreters in Thai and English languages for humanitarian and military programs and agencies, including the United States Humanitarian Demining Operations, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, Joint Interagency Task Force-West, Drug Enforcement Administration, Thailand Mine Action Center, Mine Detector Dogs Project, Joint United States Military Advisory Group, First Special Forces Group, Communications & Electronics Command/Night Vision Labs, Niagara Foot Project, and others. The largest majority of our clients are instructors.
Notwithstanding the normal socio-linguistic problems associated with interpreting, our staff frequently encounters difficult logistical and 'environmental' situations. To better prepare our clients and our staff to confront these difficulties, we have developed a booklet that is distributed to them prior to each mission or project. It is entitled Effective Utilization of Interpreters, and contains references to many potential situations and offers suggestions on how to avoid them or, if unavoidable, how to deal with them.
The intent of this piece is to present some of the difficulties our interpreters have encountered while providing this support, and to offer examples of our approaches to these difficulties. I will follow the general outline of our booklet, but I will also include selected anecdotes submitted by our interpreters to emphasize the salient points. While our examples are specific to English-Thai/Thai-English translations and refer to military culture, the issues they highlight will have parallels in almost any language pair and discipline.
Effective Utilization of Interpreters
Although the terms translating and interpreting are often used interchangeably, for purposes of mutual understanding and clarity, we separate translation and interpreting into two distinct categories: translating refers to the written document and interpreting refers to verbal or oral translation. Interpreting is divided into several categories; however, we will refer to two primary categories, consecutive (interpretation following the utterances), and simultaneous (interpretation in conjunction with the utterances). Unless otherwise requested by the client, we normally provide consecutive interpreters.
We have grouped our topics of discussion into three areas: Linguistics, Culture, and Logistics.
Linguistics
The 'linguistics' of interpreting not only covers areas such as phonology (the study of speech sounds), lexicology (vocabulary), and grammar (the structure of language), but also includes socio-linguistic concerns such as dialects (regional language), tones (the character of sound), colloquialisms (informal language), and so on.
Linguistic Issues
Direct translations are often not possible. For example, there is seldom a word-for-word translation from one language into another. Despite this, we often get the soldier who utters five words and wants to hear five words in the translation. This is almost always impossible.
Translating for understanding and meaning is essential. When using idioms, jargon, or slang, one can use the same words or expressions to mean different things. For example, 'blow up,' as used in teaching a de-mining course wouldn't have quite the same meaning as it would in teaching a management-training course or a photography course. Similarly, some expressions do not always have direct translations. For example, the expression "When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do" translates into a culturally different version in Thai, "When in a Village of One-Eyed People, Close One Eye." The meaning, though, is the same. However, if there is no similar expression or idiom in the target language, the utterance may simply be translated for meaning, "try to conform to your environment."
Acronyms are a recurrent problem. Be sure to cover any that your unit will be using in your mission. The Culinary Institute of America - C.I.A. - may not be the agency to which you are referring, if you use that acronym without explanation.
Dialects and pronunciation are problematic in all languages. For example, you say nee-ther and I say nii-ther. There are many dialects in both Thai and English languages; interpreters should become familiar with the ones they will need for each language.
Jargon is when words take on new meaning and may be specific to a particular unit, company, or organization. Sometimes the soldier knows the jargon, but has difficulty explaining the meaning. For example, "good to go" is not easy to explain as it depends upon the context in which it is used.
Also, words such as manager, supervisor, foreman, or director can be interchangeable. Consider a ship's captain, a naval captain, or an army captain; all are the same, but different.
A little knowledge of Thai (or any second or foreign language) can be a dangerous thing. The word you think you hear (or say) may not be the word being spoken.
Prior planning of classes or of a mission is essential. The student and the interpreter must be familiar with the topics to be covered. This includes advanced preparation of materials, especially in cases where documents such as power-point presentations, slide shows, or lesson plans have to be translated for presentation or classroom use.
Rehearsal of difficult vocabulary or subject matter is also essential. This is especially useful in situations where interpreters and students aren't familiar with each other's dialects, jargon, etc. Speech patterns (speed, intonation, volume) of both teacher and interpreter need to be coordinated.
To facilitate smooth interpreting in the classroom or in the field, the interpreter and the instructor should develop signals to indicate speech breaks. Some effective signals to begin or stop interpretation are nodding, hand gestures, eye contact, or a verbal "ok".
The length of sentences or speech and the timing of speech breaks should be appropriate. The instructor should not speak at length, nor should his sentences be unnaturally short or choppy. This disrupts the flow of the class and it hinders the interpreters.
The instructor should always remember to speak to the audience, not to the interpreter (unless for clarification of a word, sentence, etc.). Likewise, the interpreter should respond to the audience, not to the instructor.
Culture
Many of the socio-linguistic concerns overlap into this category, but here we primarily discuss the day-to-day clashes in Thai and foreign cultures. These areas should be discussed because misunderstandings can arise from inadvertent cultural faux pas. Both sides should be aware of and show respect for each other's cultures, customs, and traditions so as to increase the effectiveness in accomplishing the overall mission objectives. There should never be a time when misunderstanding of cultural sensitivities interferes with effectively achieving those objectives.
As an equal opportunity employer, we hire female and male staff. In fact, the majority of our staff is female, probably because the majority of English majors in Thailand tend to be women. We have found that the performance of female interpreters generally surpasses that of our male interpreters. Thai women are more patient and more flexible than their male counterparts. Our female staffs are fully capable of accomplishing any assignment they undertake, even though the missions may have been traditionally male only. For example, they are expected to join the overnight field training exercises (FTX), conduct ambush, patrol and reconnaissance missions, participate in room clearance and 'takedown' scenarios, automobile stops and searches, and many other such activities. They do it all without complaint, and in a highly professional manner. Nonetheless, we expect mutual respect and appropriate conduct on the parts of all personnel concerned.
Cultural Issues
Number one for Americans: try not to blow up. Don't scream and shout when things aren't going exactly as planned. Be patient, especially in Thailand.
Sensitive ears should also be taken into account. Often Thai soldiers recognize English slang and curse words but misunderstand the cultural context of their use. Be careful of your word choice; the interpreters may not always be able to explain that a "big s.o.b." can simply mean a very big person.
We also need to establish the correct forms of address for the duration of the mission. For example, in Thailand the term "Khun" is the correct address for civilian personnel. For military and government officials' ranks should be learned and the correct forms of address should be agreed upon.
The rank or status of interpreters should also be established. We would like to consider them as part of the 'team,' not part of the unit being supported by the team. It is better if the Thai component (supported unit) understands exactly whom the interpreter works for. This can prevent a great deal of misunderstanding as to chain of command, work assignments, etc.
In Thailand, it is considered inappropriate to touch Thai staff unless demonstrating a lesson or is otherwise mission related and rehearsed. For example, in a medical class when administering I.V.s or on the shooting range while sighting in a weapon. It is considered unacceptable in normal Thai culture to touch a member of the opposite sex.
It is sometimes difficult for foreigners to adjust to the body language taboos. For instance, one does not point ones feet at another person. It is also considered rude to touch another person's head. The rule of thumb is to use good judgment, and to rely on the interpreter's suggestions.
The time-honored taboo of discussing 'religion and politics' is especially true in Thailand. We normally avoid these topics in social or work-related situations as even the most innocent comment could lead to misunderstanding.
We do not require our interpreters, male or female, to interpret inappropriate vocabulary. This includes slang, or jargon, dirty jokes, profanity, etc. under any circumstances, at work, or in social situations. This applies to students, teachers, vendors, other contractors, and drivers.
The key to any successful cross-culture relationship is mutual respect. Basically treat others as you would like to be treated.
Logistics
The final area that we cover is the 'logistical' areas or day-to-day functions that need to be coordinated between teacher and interpreter to insure smooth operations.
Logistical Issues
Housing for the interpreters is the responsibility of the customer. Usually, the interpreters stay in the same type of housing as the instructors. Frequently the interpreters are housed in military barracks with the instructors and are required to participate in field training exercises (FTX) lasting all night. If so, the instructors need to assist the interpreters in locating furnishings such as cots, bedding and electric fans and other necessary equipment for the FTXes such as mosquito netting and sleeping bags. There are many logistical issues that are easy to overlook in the planning process. Having these issues committed in writing is critical to ensuring that they are properly addressed.
These issues include meeting personal needs, such as access to meals or the means to cook them, transportation to and from the worksite, toilet and bathing facilities, laundry, phone, and email. A dress code or uniform should be established, as well as daily briefing and de-briefing schedules, and participation in events such as opening and closing ceremonies, graduations and social functions.
Other Concerns
Workload. Oftentimes the Thai unit being supported feels entitled to assign work or to give direction to the interpreting staff. In order to prevent misunderstanding and to properly assign work priorities, our staff accepts work assignments only from the U.S. component. The American officer in Charge or Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge must first authorize any request for utilization of the interpreters/translators on behalf of the Thai component. We fully understand that our staff is there to support both, however, in order to more effectively accomplish the mission a firm chain of command and proper channels need to be established and followed.
The Interpreter's Role. Due to the nature of interpreting, misunderstandings can often arise from the misperception of the interpreter as "liaison." It is not the primary role of the interpreter to mediate between the client, students, vendors, or other contractors (e.g., drivers). Our role is to pass and receive contextually correct information in the target languages.
Work Hours. Due to the nature of most of our programs it is difficult to identify a 'normal work day.' Because we consider our staff as part of the "team," we normally will not bill for a reasonable amount of preparation or occasional long days, (time usually balances out); however, when the team assigns evening tasks such as translations, or conducts night operations, or when the interpreters are required to work overtime on a regular basis, then the time will be appropriately invoiced.
Confidentiality. The issue of confidentiality is very important. Our staff must sign a statement of non-disclosure of information. This means that they are not allowed to discuss with anyone any aspect of the nature of their work.
Fraternization. It is contrary to our policy for our staff to fraternize with our clients or with units being supported by our clients. Exceptions are for organized social functions usually involving group activities at the invitation of the commander. In any event, our staffs are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost propriety and decorum.
Additional Services. Units or individuals should not negotiate directly with our staff, or vice versa. In summary, interpreters should only be utilized to accomplish mission-related objectives.
Conclusion
As Mark Twain (or Samuel Clemens...depending upon your interpretation) was wont to ponder (try to translate that into Thai), is there an exact word, at an exact time, at an exact place, for an exact purpose? Answer: Doubtful, at best; impossible, at least. Fortunately for Mr. Clemens his quest for the 'right' word was restricted to the English language. Even so, some may still refer to the 'lightening bug' as a 'fire-fly'... again, depending upon your own interpretation.
About
Ron Smith served as a B-Model Huey helicopter gunships for the 129th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam from 1969-70. His peacetime activities include flying medivac helicopters for the California Army National Guard, during his years as a graduate student at University of California (Davis) until 1977. In the following year, he worked for ARAMCO in Daharan, Saudi Arabia and in 1979-80, with the Peace Support Group in Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia. Ron was a part of the Sinai Field Mission in the Sinai, which was followed by a move to the Multi-national Force and Observers (MFO), also in the Sinai, in support of the Camp David Peace Accords between Egypt and Israel (1980-82). He now works in the Thailand offices of S-3 Services, Inc., a corporation that provides personnel and training resources.
Email: ron@kku.ac.th
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