Insights into the Challenges and Strategies of United Nations Conference Interpreters: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

In United Nations (UN) conferences, the role of simultaneous interpreters becomes crucial. This research investigates the strategies employed to address both technical and non-technical challenges faced by simultaneous interpreters in UN conferences. The study aims to explain the procedures and processes involved in simultaneous interpreting, as well as identify the encountered challenges (rooted in experience). This qualitative research employs the conversation analysis proposed by Silverman (2019). Primary data sources consist of the experiences of six interpreters: representing English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese. Data collection methods encompass observation, transcription, and note-taking, including annotations. Data analysis reveals a range of technical and non-technical factors. Among the technical factors are speed and the use of specific terminology, with instances found in the experiences of English interpreter Paul Pottingen, Spanish interpreter Maria Carolina López Uribe, Arabic interpreter Soumiya Lahlao, French interpreter Sergio Escamilla, and Russian interpreter Olga Znamenshchikova. However, Chinese interpreter Xunyu Emielic Hung shared no technical challenges. Non-technical factors encompass feelings of fear, nervousness, and pressure. These emotions are shared among all interpreters except the Spanish interpreter. Significantly, technical difficulties can exacerbate non-technical challenges. Therefore, addressing these issues requires interpreters to strategize ways to enhance of their linguistic understanding, cross-cultural communication proficiency, and the overall quality of their experience in simultaneous interpreting.