UN interpreters provide the world with essential work.
They live and make history every day, fighting cultural and language barriers at global levels, dealing daily with some of the most important and influential people on the planet, and speaking for them during meetings and conferences. It seems like the perfect job, but nothing is simple when the slightest translation error can have serious consequences in world politics. UN interpreters are fully aware of the responsibility they bear.
The UN has six official languages: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, russian and Arabic. The organization edits and publishes documents in all its official languages, but generally uses English and French for internal communication. The other languages are used during discussions in the Regional Commissions. Mastering a language is just the first step in becoming a good interpreter.
What do translators do?
The United Nations uses simultaneous interpreting to make easier communication during meetings and events. The interpreters don’t have any breaks during the speech. They have to juggle, listen, translate, and talk at the same time. They must travel and be objective when translating arguments that they don’t agree with and they often work under extreme stress.
