Role of Interpreters in Diplomatic Meetings, Bilateral Conferences

The Role of Interpreters in Confidential Diplomatic Meetings and Bilateral Conferences

Research indicates that interpreters play a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations, especially in confidential meetings, by facilitating cross-linguistic communication.

Interpreting Methods

Interpreters in diplomacy tend to use both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting.

• Consecutive interpreting (CI) is commonly employed in diplomatic settings for accuracy and clarity, where interpreters speak after the speaker pauses.
• Simultaneous interpreting (SI) is used for real-time communication in large-scale events, requiring interpreters to work in pairs and switch every 20–30 minutes to avoid fatigue.
• Chuchotage (whispered interpreting) may be used for small bilateral meetings, although it is limited by environmental noise and vocal strain.

Challenges Interpreters Face

Diplomatic interpreters face significant challenges, including:

• Emotional content, such as threats or offensive language, requires neutrality and emotional intelligence.
• Cultural humor is difficult to interpret due to cultural references and language structure differences.
• Fatigue, particularly in simultaneous interpreting, can lead to burnout or even PTSD in extreme cases.

The Interpreter’s Role

Interpreters are silent yet essential actors in diplomacy. They make confidential international discussions—on sensitive topics like disarmament or water rights—possible. For instance, interpreters working for the U.S. Department of State undergo rigorous testing and training to represent government interests effectively. Historical documentation like “Two Centuries of Diplomatic Interpreting” shows the evolution of this role in multilateral settings such as the United Nations.

Required Skills

Key skills for diplomatic interpreters include:

• Note-taking (especially in consecutive mode) using symbols and abbreviations.
• Confidentiality is often enforced through NDAs and codes of ethics.
• Cultural competence enables interpreters to grasp the speaker’s intent and tailor the message appropriately in the target language.

Summary

Interpreters enable successful diplomacy by managing different interpreting techniques and navigating emotional, linguistic, and ethical complexities. As global connectivity increases, their role will only grow in importance. As highlighted in “Role of Translation and Interpretation in Diplomatic” (Translated), interpreters are indispensable bridges in global political communication.

Table: Comparison of Interpreting Modes

SEAProTI’s certified translators, translation certification providers, and certified interpreters:

The Southeast Asian Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (SEAProTI) has officially announced the criteria and qualifications for individuals to register as “Certified Translators,” “Translation Certification Providers,” and “Certified Interpreters” under the association’s regulations. These guidelines are detailed in Sections 9 and 10 of the Royal Thai Government Gazette, issued by the Secretariat of the Cabinet under the Office of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, dated July 25, 2024, Volume 141, Part 66 Ng, Page 100.

To read the full publication, visit theRoyal Thai Government Gazette