The US Army estimates that it spends $250 million per year on contract linguists. The Congressional Research Service estimates that there were 9,128 translator/interpreter contractors in Iraq as of June 2009, or 8% of the total contractor personnel there. They are important parts of US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. providing interpretation assistance for the Public Affairs Office during local media events and translation of local newspapers or pamphlets.Ĭontractors perform similar services for the US military.assisting security personnel in screening the local population at military checkpoints and.providing interpretation support at a military traffic control point.assisting a military contracting officer with a local purchase.preparing non-technical translations into the target language and performing sight translations from a target language into English.The types of services they provide include: The US Army is a big recruiter of interpreters and translators.Īccording to the Army recruiting site, Army interpreters/translators convert written or spoken foreign languages into English. They consult with the text’s originator or issuing agency to clarify unclear or unfamiliar ideas, words, or acronyms. Translators also might do additional research on the subject matter if they are unclear about anything in the text. Multiple additional readings are usually needed before translators begin to actually write and finalize the translation. Next, they identify and look up any unfamiliar words. When translators first receive text to convert into another language, they usually read it in its entirety to get an idea of the subject. ![]() Because the documents that they translate must be as flawless as possible, they also need good editing skills.Īssignments may vary in length, writing style, and subject matter. They must have excellent writing and analytical ability. Translators convert written materials from one language into another. But it is usually important that the interpreter see the communicators in order to hear and observe the person speaking and to relay the message to the other party. Physical presence may not be required for some work, such as telephone interpretation. Next, the interpreter usually travels to the location where his or her services are needed. The interpreter must become familiar with the subject matter that the speakers will discuss, a task that may involve research to create a list of common words and phrases associated with the topic. Strong research and analytical skills, mental dexterity, and an exceptional memory also are important. This requires interpreters to pay attention, understand what is communicated in both languages, and express thoughts and ideas clearly. Interpreters convert one spoken language into another – or, in the case of sign-language interpreters, between spoken communication and sign language. While interpreters often work into and from both languages, translators generally work only into their active language. Each task requires a distinct set of skills and aptitudes, and most people are better suited for one or the other. Interpreters deal with spoken words translators with written words. Contractors usually offer both types of services.Īlthough some people do both, interpretation and translation are different professions, notes the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. ![]() The success of the US and allied mission, as well as the lives of soldiers, depends on it.Īs noted above, there are 2 primary types of linguist services: interpreters and translators. This video highlights the necessity for the US and allied forces to have interpreters who are reliable and loyal, understand the dialect of the local people, and can serve as cultural liaisons. The interpreter translates the elders words by saying, “He is giving many examples, the main point is that if you want to get the ACM they are behind this road, behind this mountain.”Īs they walk away, the interpreter says “I hate these people.” But he says the villagers can’t cooperate under the current conditions because the Taliban are like “ants,” they are everywhere and impossible to stop. The elder then tells the sergeant that he would like to cooperate with the Americans, and points to the direction from where the Taliban attacks are coming. The interpreter tells the sergeant that the elder says the security is fine. The elder says that there is no security in the village and that is a problem. The US interpreter incorrectly conveys the tribal leader’s response to a question about the security in the area. ![]() In the video, a US Army sergeant and an Afghan tribal elder engage in a conversation about Taliban rocket attacks. An indication of what could go wrong with an unskilled or hostile linguist is illustrated in a short documentary video produced by journalist John McHugh of The Guardian newspaper.
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