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Vanessa Q. |
March 9, 2024
“Despite the linguistic and cultural differences, we successfully bridged the gap”
Bridging worlds: the art of interpretation with Vanessa
In the vast and intricate realm of cross-cultural communication, interpreters serve as the unsung heroes, bridging linguistic and cultural divides. Today, we delve into the life and insights of Vanessa Quirante, a seasoned interpreter whose work with Lexcode and beyond has made significant strides in facilitating global dialogue. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and the sheer artistry involved in the world of interpretation.
A day in the life of an interpreter
Vanessa’s day begins with the essentials: a proper meal to fuel the demanding hours ahead. Preparation is key, as she reviews materials and familiarizes herself with relevant terminology for the day’s assignments. Active note-taking of new words encountered enhances her translation skills, ensuring she delivers not just accurate interpretation but also engages professionally and courteously with clients.
Beyond words: acting as a cultural liaison
Interpretation goes beyond mere language translation; it involves bridging cultural gaps. Vanessa acts as a cultural liaison, offering context, explaining customs, and navigating nuances to ensure smooth communication. This role fosters understanding and successful interactions among diverse individuals and groups, highlighting the interpreter’s role in facilitating meaningful connections.
Collaboration: the key to success
Vanessa recalls an international convention in Singapore where teamwork among interpreters was essential. The challenge of adapting to rapid speech and language switching was met with vigilance and cooperation, ensuring seamless interpretation. This experience underscores the importance of collaboration and adaptability in overcoming challenges and achieving successful communication.
Navigating the evolving landscape of language
Vanessa stays informed and adaptable, continuously updating her knowledge about languages and consulting with co-interpreters to ensure accuracy. This approach to handling new words or phrases without direct equivalents exemplifies the dynamic and ever-changing nature of language and the interpreter’s role in navigating it.
The ethical backbone of interpretation
For Vanessa, professionalism, confidentiality, and accuracy form the core ethical principles guiding her work. These principles ensure respect, trust, and clear communication, highlighting the critical role of ethics in the profession of interpretation.
A memorable mission with Lexcode
One of Vanessa’s most memorable projects was providing consecutive interpretation for the Mission to the Philippines by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in December 2023. This experience was not only rewarding but also expanded her knowledge and underscored the impact of interpreters in facilitating communication and understanding across linguistic and cultural barriers.
Advice for aspiring interpreters
Vanessa’s journey with Lexcode transformed from a part-time gig to a fulfilling career, filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and travel. Her advice to potential interpreters is to embrace the challenges and opportunities in this field, highlighting the supportive and enriching environment Lexcode provides.
The world of interpretation is a testament to the power of communication in bridging divides and fostering global understanding. Her insights and experiences illuminate the challenges, rewards, and profound impact of this vital profession. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the role of interpreters in facilitating dialogue and understanding has never been more crucial.
For those drawn to the art and science of interpretation, Vanessa’s journey offers inspiration and a glimpse into the potential for making a difference, one word at a time.
Interested in delving into the world of professional interpretation? Check out our freelance opportunities here or send an email to freelance.qq@lexcode.com with your attached CV (make sure to include your language pair/s, related work experience, subject expertise, and rates in USD and/or PHP).
