AKT in Dan Tri News
Sharing Insights on the Interpretation Profession with Khang Nguyen
The profession of interpretation demands proficiency in foreign languages (such as English) and a strong command of one's native tongue (Vietnamese). An interpreter must have good health and nerves of steel to endure day-long conference schedules effectively.
Khang Nguyen is among the few exceptionally successful interpreters in Ho Chi Minh City. He designed the interpretation skills curriculum at the Journalism Foreign Languages Center (Vietnam News Agency), located at 116-118 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ho Chi Minh City. He was also a pioneer in incorporating conference interpreting (cabin interpreting) into the training programs offered there. (till 2016, then for the đeicated website of the online courses hocphiendich.com - noted by AKT)
We had the opportunity to interview him, during which he shared invaluable experiences in the field of interpretation, particularly cabin interpreting—often referred to as the hidden speaker.
Interviewer: Mr. Nguyen, cabin interpreting at conferences is a well-established profession, yet it remains captivating, and not everyone with a good command of foreign languages can excel in it. Could you provide a general overview of the interpretation profession, especially cabin interpreting, to help young aspirants in this field gain a clearer understanding of this intriguing work?
Khang Nguyen: In a conference setting, interpreters can perform both consecutive and cabin interpreting—also known as simultaneous interpreting. Consecutive interpreting involves waiting for the speaker to finish a segment or express an idea before relaying that content from one language to another. In contrast, cabin interpreting occurs simultaneously with the speaker. As soon as the speaker completes their statement, the interpreter simultaneously conveys the idea into the other language. The advantage of cabin interpreting lies in its efficiency, making it the preferred method for international conferences and seminars.
This work requires not only mastery of foreign languages (like English) but also a strong command of the native language (Vietnamese). Additionally, you need to maintain good health and have nerves of steel to manage day-long conferences while serving as the linguistic bridge in such programs. A successful conference owes much to the contributions of interpreters.
Interviewer: The work of a conference interpreter is exciting but can also be stressful. Could you share some challenges and difficulties as well as the joys associated with this profession?
Khang Nguyen: In the field of interpretation, particularly during conferences, time is measured in seconds—from the moment a speaker begins until the content is fully translated. To become a proficient interpreter, you must learn continuously, never stopping your education through books or real-world experiences. As the saying goes, "There is no royal road to learning." However, the profession offers a lot of new experiences and emotions. For me, the most rewarding aspect is seeing the results of my work the following day when I read the news or watch television coverage of the conference.
Being an interpreter is often likened to being in a role that "caters to all," as it requires not only excellent English proficiency but also a vast accumulation of knowledge. What advice would you offer young people to prepare both mentally and intellectually for this challenging profession?
Interpreter Khang Nguyen with Dr. Jumpasut, a leading global expert in the rubber market, during a training session at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Khang Nguyen: In modern life, the importance of knowledge enhancement is undeniable. For cabin interpreters, regular practice and refined language skills are non-negotiable aspects of the profession. If there's one key takeaway from our discussion, it's the concept of "meaning beyond the words." Language reflects your knowledge and, ultimately, who you are as a person.
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Specialist InterpretingView MoreAs senior managers, we know what attributes our clients are looking for in an interpreter – a good translator with expertise who can process ideas from one language to another professionally. A strong interpreter adds value to any event. -
TranslationView MoreOver the years, we have worked with thousands of high-profile customers, many of whom are impressed by our excellent services. -
MCView MoreBilingual MCs/Hosts are often required at international events. Our bilingual MCs all speak in a refined manner, have skills in interpreting and can amaze audiences with their confidence. -
TrainingView MoreThe way we teach is characterized by putting trainees at the forefront of the learning process. Our curriculum is open to adaptability and development of personal skills in an approach best described as "From conferences to classrooms".