Training Video 2: The Interpreters’ Show: Cultural Fitness”

The following training video on public service interpreting was produced by students at the Ionian University in Greece. The postgraduate students approach various topics such as professionalism, cultural awareness, and key qualities of public service interpreters from an entertaining perspective. The training video is followed by detailed instructions for group discussions and hypothetical scenarios.

This 4-minute training video is presented in the form of a TV quiz show. In this contest, two knowledgeable contestants go head-to-head, showcasing their expertise in the field of public service interpreting. As the TV presenter fires a series of thought-provoking questions, the contestants aim to answer the ultimate query: "What does it mean to be culturally fit?" The responses highlight qualities such as flexibility, adaptability, and a proactive personality, among other key attributes. This engaging video offers an entertaining and educational experience, where unique perspectives on the vital role of cultural awareness in the world of public service interpreting are presented by students.

Training video 2: “The Interpreters’ Show: Cultural Fitness”

Please answer the questions below. Feel free to talk about the issues and circumstances that influence your answers.

  • 1) What do you understand by a culturally fit public service interpreter? Can you give other definitions than those of the participants?
  • 2) What is problematic about the term “cultural relativism”?
  • 3) Hypothetical scenario: In the course of an asylum interview, the applicant uses an iconic gesture by making a rapid downward hand movement. The public service interpreter does not reproduce the gesture, which is noticed by the interviewer. The interviewer intervenes and asks the public service interpreter to render non-verbal cues as well.
    • How do you think the interview will proceed after this request from the interviewer?
    • What reactions could be expected from the public service interpreter?
    • What are the implications of this scenario? Are public service interpreters responsible for interpreting non-verbal cues?
    • How would you deal with such a situation?

Credits:
Efstratiou Panagiota, Grammatopoulou Vasiliki, Kyrillou Aggelos, Pagoni Panagiota Tsichlakidou Eleni
– Students from the Ionian University, Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting

Suggested citiation: Efstratiou Panagiota, Grammatopoulou Vasiliki, Kyrillou Aggelos, Pagoni Panagiota Tsichlakidou Eleni (2023) “ReTrans Student Video: The Interpreters’ Show: Cultural Fitness”. Produced by students from the Ionian University, Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting, Greece. Available at https://youtu.be/kwS7xbWaApc