How Does the United Nations Perform Translation?

The first thing you need to know is, Six official languages ​​of the UN is: Arabic, English, French, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish.

So when you attend a meeting at the General Assembly, everything you read or hear It will be available in six languages. Now, let’s see how they do the translation.

At BM, each seat has a headset and a few small buttons.

You can choose the language you want with these buttons. The sounds you are listening to are actually not very far away, you can even see them from where you sit. Translation booths are right there and each is labeled with its own language.

In these cabins, certain standards exist: lighting, air circulation, sound insulation and even the comfort of the chairs are standardized. In every cabin always at least two interpreters is available.

Each interpreter in his own booth is a native speaker of the language. In other words, someone who works in the French booth was raised as a French speaker or received his education in French.

But what happens when not all languages ​​are covered?

BM between language pairs It uses a relay system to create a bridge. For example, if the Spanish translator does not understand a conversation spoken in Arabic; The Arabic translator first translates it to English, and then it is translated from English to Spanish.

This process is often used when there is a shortage of bilingual translators. UN, approx. 120 translators full time employs. These positions are quite difficult and the UN holds exams every three years for each language combination.

If you pass the exams and complete all tests successfully, you will be appointed to a two-year position. Moreover freelance translators has. The UN calls these interpreters when it needs it.

Interpreting live requires a combination of preparation, skill and instinct.

Interpreters receive information on the subject before the meeting. Understanding the speaker’s language and flow of conversation They have to follow.

In this process, catching the tone of the speaker and guessing the end of sentences is of vital importance. Interpreters switch places with another interpreter every 20-30 minutes during meetings because this job is quite tiring.

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