Comments on: Finding Trustworthy Translators

By: yetanotherjohn

yetanotherjohn — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 14:18:16 +0000

It would seem to me with the layers of editors for quality control, a recording of the interview could be made and at least anything quoted or was a substantive part of the interview could be checked "back at the office". It would also provide a good check on field quality of translations if they know their work is going to be randomly sampled for quality.

I personally think the use of unsupervised stringers (especially those who turn up to be working with the terrorists) is a bigger issue than the translators.

By: Kent G. Budge

Kent G. Budge — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:58:29 +0000

Reminds me of the old joke about the Texas Ranger in the days of the Wild West who pursued a Mexican bank robber across the border. He caught up with the bandito in an isolated village and, not speaking any Spanish (and the bandito not speaking any English) enlisted the aid of one of the locals who knew both languages. Ranger (in English): "Tell me where you hid the money you stole from the bank." Translator (in Spanish): "He says, 'Tell me where you hid the money you stole from the bank.'" Bandito (in Spanish): "Go to hell." Translator (in English): "He says, 'go to hell'." Ranger (in English, cocking both his pistols): "If you won't talk, there's no reason for me to keep you alive." Translator (in Spanish) "He says, 'If you won't talk, there's no reason for me to keep you alive'" Bandito (in Spanish, his nerve breaking): "The money is hidden in the tall house south of the well, under the ashes in the fireplace." Translator (in English): "He says, 'You don't scare me. Go ahead and shoot.'"

By: Anderson

Anderson — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:28:35 +0000

Still, there's one great SNL skit there to be made ...