Let me borrow a line from Mick Jagger and the boys - Please allow me to introduce myself.
Simply put, I am one of those interpreters who should never have been hired. A small Japanese company in the Midwest hired me right out of college. I was no interpreter. I was only bilingual. With no training as an interpreter, they thrust me into meetings and conferences. I could sink or swim. I swam.
Fast-forward 18 months. I married and had a child during this time. After much teeth gnashing, I left the full-time position and became a freelance interpreter. I stayed with the freelance lifestyle for the next 18 years. Picking and choosing assignments, locations, people—this suited me well. I liked the freedom.
Over twenty years I have made grave mistakes, experienced events I will never forget, met people I love as well as strongly dislike, traveled on other people’s dimes (the best way to see the world!), grew personally and professionally, and was fortunate enough to participate in many opportunities I am proud of and grateful for.
This blog is about interpreters. Specifically, Japanese interpreters. I have more stories than I know what to do with. I will share many of these with you and open it up for discussion. In a world of globalization, Skype, teleconferencing and video-conferencing, travel and wonder, the juxtaposition of language and culture continues to play a key role in the success of many.
Between my stories, questions and thoughts on interpreting and your comments, feedback and suggestions, I have high hopes for the evolution of Japanese interpreters.
I argue among those of us who interpret for a profession, the active and ongoing discussion over when to repeat everything versus when to become a cultural conduit is the most heated debate that has been taking place for the past several decades.
Both sides hold true to their arguments. Rightfully so. How are we to know what the speaker really means to say? Then again, is it our job to repeat words we know will cause a law-suit? These topics and more will be discussed in great detail on Thursdays over the next several months. I welcome your input, feedback and opinions.
Join Japan-US Business News and Amya Miller every Thursday for 'The Interpreter's Corner'.
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Amya Miller lives near Boston, Massachusetts and is the President and CEO of Lupine and Co., which offers Japanese interpretation, liaison services, business etiquette training, consultation on successful negotiation techniques and problem solving.
Amya also founded the Gaijin Group; a group for gaijins all over the world. She was born and raised in Japan and spent time in Tokyo and Hokkaido. She has worked as an Interpreter and behind-the-scenes liaison in Japan-US business for 20 years. You can reach Amya at [email protected] and find out more about at http://www.lupineandco.com/ and http://www.gaijingroup.com/.
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