The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
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thelinguist.uberflip.com DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017 The Linguist 29 OPINION & COMMENT Richard Bretherick runs a programme in the fight against malaria in the Central African Republic. TL Where there is little cultural affinity between the foreign aid worker and the village chief involved in a negotiation, it is wise to sit back and allow the speaker to talk freely. After all, interrupting to demand an explanation in French may be badly received if the Sango speaker is emotionally involved in the matter under discussion. Frustrations should be kept in check. I have recently undergone formal training in mediation techniques, but these focus on the outcome of the meeting. There is some focus on the linguistic processes involved but this centres on those words that should be used and those which should not. My chosen technique is to allow the meeting to run while the non-trained interpreter listens. If I judge that the length of time since the last explanation has been excessive, I present an apology and ask if it is acceptable for me to have a five-minute conversation with my staff member. While this is not my preferred method of using an interpreter, nor is it my preferred style of mediation/negotiation, I have to find a working method, on the spot, if the desired result is to be achieved. That said, there is a great deal of understanding towards me on the part of the local population. This is, in large part, due to the level of fatigue caused by years of civil war and an associated humanitarian crisis which has left the population desperate for any offers of assistance. As a linguist who has lived and worked in several countries where I speak the language fluently, I feel frustrated but tolerant about my current predicament, where I require assistance to communicate with a hefty percentage of the population. Fortunately the Central Africans I have met are naturally helpful, following decades of hardship. across Q. What does your role entail? A. I sell to Francophone markets for a technology company in the travel sector. Q. What is an average day in the office like for you? A. I get to the office at around 8.30am, respond to overnight emails and make my first calls by 9am. With the French market being an hour ahead, I get to the office a bit earlier than my colleagues who work with UK clients. At 9.15am, the sales team gets together to discuss our objectives and any pressing issues. My day will then consist of conference calls with prospective clients to pitch our product, seek new business, negotiate and close deals. Q. Was your languages degree helpful in getting the job? A. Yes, certainly. My job requires me to speak a fluent level of French and establish a good rapport with current and prospective clients. Having a French degree qualifies me well for the role, particularly from my experience as a teaching assistant in Paris during my year abroad. Q. Do you use elements of your studies in your work? A. I use my French every day. I did a business French module in my final year which was great for picking up vocabulary for emails. Regular oral practice and tuition gave me the confidence to continue my French into the workplace. Q. What are the best – and the worst – parts of the job? A. The best is the satisfaction I get from prospecting a new client then closing the deal. I also love working in a multilingual office. I've been able to work on the German I picked up at GCSE and even learn some basic Italian. My least favourite part is the cyclical aspect of sales; you'll have some great weeks, then some not so good ones. It requires perseverance! Q. Do you see your career continuing in the languages sphere? A. Definitely. Languages are a huge plus in the workplace. They keep your work varied and interesting but also set you apart from your peers. I would say that they are a tool; if you want to progress up the ladder and master specific industries, languages can open doors but you have to keep learning. Q. Would your career choices have been different if you hadn't chosen to study a language? A. Yes. Learning to communicate better and become proficient in a different language was a big part of my education and has shaped the first part of my career. Interview by Amy Wakeham. William Ross discusses his work as Account Executive at Triptease, following a French and History degree at the University of Kent Just the job