Storytelling in Interpreting and Translating Profession

We have recently attended a Barclays Legal Seminar the topic of which was storytelling. This made us ponder about the link between storytelling and our interpreting and translating profession.

Storytelling is the art of conveying a narrative or series of events in a compelling and engaging manner. It is a fundamental human activity that has been used throughout history to share knowledge, values, and cultural traditions. Effective storytelling captures the attention of the audience, evokes emotions, and leaves a lasting impact on the listeners or readers.

Storytelling is an essential aspect of effective interpreting and translating services. Skilled interpreters and translators are not merely conduits for transferring words from one language to another; they are storytellers who bridge the linguistic and cultural gaps to convey the complete narrative accurately. Here’s how storytelling is linked to interpreting and translating services:

1. Conveying Context: In both interpreting and translating, understanding the context is crucial for accurate communication. Just like a good storyteller sets the scene and provides context for their audience, interpreters and translators need to grasp the broader context of the conversation or text to ensure that the message is conveyed appropriately. This involves considering cultural nuances, historical references, and the specific circumstances surrounding the communication.
2. Emphasizing Emotions: Storytellers know the importance of emotions in engaging their audience. Similarly, skilled interpreters and translators convey not only the words spoken but also the emotions behind them. This emotional element is vital, especially in situations such as legal proceedings, medical consultations, or business negotiations, where the speaker’s emotions can significantly impact the outcome.
3. Preserving Tone and Style: Just as storytellers maintain a consistent tone and style throughout their narrative, professional interpreters and translators strive to preserve the tone and style of the original message. Whether it’s a formal legal document, a technical manual, or an informal conversation, skilled language experts ensure that the translated or interpreted version matches the original intent.
4. Creating Engaging Interpretations: Successful storytellers captivate their audience by using vivid descriptions and engaging language. Likewise, interpreters employ active listening and eloquent expression to convey messages in a captivating manner, holding the attention of both the speaker and the listeners.
5. Transferring Cultural Context: Storytelling often involves cultural references and insights. Similarly, translators transfer not just words but also the cultural context of the source language to the target language, ensuring the message is culturally appropriate and relevant to the intended audience.
6. Maintaining Coherence: In a story, coherence is essential to keep the audience engaged and follow the plot. In interpreting and translating, coherence ensures that the message remains clear and understandable throughout, even when dealing with complex or technical content.
7. Adapting for the Audience: Storytellers tailor their stories to suit the preferences and understanding of their audience. Similarly, interpreters and translators adapt their language and style to match the target audience’s linguistic and cultural background.

In summary, storytelling is intertwined with interpreting and translating services, as both require a deep understanding of context, emotions, tone, and cultural nuances. The ability to convey a compelling narrative is what sets exceptional interpreters and translators apart, ensuring effective communication and understanding between individuals and across diverse linguistic communities.

Please contact Express Language Solutions on +441617372970 or at elsltd@yahoo.co.uk for any interpreting and translating requirements. We shall consider your context, emotions, tone, style an cultural nuances when delivering your verbal or written message.

How do you apply storytelling in your profession? What techniques do you use?