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Ep. 18 - Helen Campbell: The Legendary Interpreter on Life, Legacy, and the Future of Our Craft
In this episode of the Found in Interpretation podcast, hosts Alain Breton and Brian Bickford engage with Helen Campbell, a seasoned interpreter with a rich history in the field. The conversation explores Helen's journey into interpreting, the skills required for the profession, and the evolution of interpreting techniques over the years. They discuss the working conditions within the European Union, the challenges posed by language diversity, and the impact of technology on the interpreting landscape, particularly in light of recent changes due to the pandemic. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving role of interpreters in various sectors, particularly in the context of federal and private markets. They explore the necessity of interpretation in multilingual settings, the impact of AI on the profession, and reflect on their career choices and aspirations. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by interpreters today, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in a rapidly changing landscape.
Takeaways
Helen Campbell has been an interpreter since 1973.
Interpreting requires more than just language skills; it demands quick thinking and analysis.
The evolution of technology has changed the landscape of interpretation.
Working conditions in the EU involve complex language combinations and team dynamics.
There are 24 official languages in the EU, creating a diverse interpreting environment.
Passing a rigorous test is essential to work as an interpreter in the EU.
The pandemic significantly impacted interpreting practices and methods.
The English booth in the EU now interprets less due to the prevalence of poor English.
Helen emphasizes the importance of background knowledge in interpreting.
The role of interpreters can vary based on the audience's language proficiency. Interpreters are often more needed in the private sector than in the federal government.
The necessity of interpretation is evident in multilingual settings, especially in conferences.
AI and technology are changing the landscape of interpretation, but human interpreters still play a crucial role.
Young interpreters should not assume job security in the field due to technological advancements.
The profession of interpreting requires continuous adaptation to new tools and methods.
Personal connections and interactions in interpreting are valuable but are diminishing in online settings.
Freelance interpreters with rare language skills will continue to find work despite market changes.
Career aspirations in interpreting should be realistic, considering the evolving job market.
Networking and professional relationships are essential for interpreters to thrive.
Reflecting on past career choices can provide insights into current professional satisfaction.
Sound Bites
"Interpreting is not about languages."
"We had little dictionaries for glossaries."
"There are 24 official languages in the EU."
"Everybody speaks bad English."
"You need to understand what's going on."
"I think that 90 % of the time I'm useful."
"Don't take it for granted."
"I wish I had started this career earlier."
"I would like to see both of you there."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Helen Campbell's Journey as an Interpreter
04:22 The Aptitude for Interpreting
09:32 The Evolution of Interpretation Techniques
11:34 Working Conditions in the European Union
19:30 The Language Landscape in the EU
22:00 Impact of Technology on Interpretation
24:38 The Role of Interpreters in Different Sectors
28:03 The Necessity of Interpretation in Multilingual Settings
31:04 The Future of Interpretation in the Age of AI
41:05 Reflections on Career Choices and Aspirations
View all episodes
By Alain Breton and Brian Bickford, Conference InterpretersIn this episode of the Found in Interpretation podcast, hosts Alain Breton and Brian Bickford engage with Helen Campbell, a seasoned interpreter with a rich history in the field. The conversation explores Helen's journey into interpreting, the skills required for the profession, and the evolution of interpreting techniques over the years. They discuss the working conditions within the European Union, the challenges posed by language diversity, and the impact of technology on the interpreting landscape, particularly in light of recent changes due to the pandemic. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving role of interpreters in various sectors, particularly in the context of federal and private markets. They explore the necessity of interpretation in multilingual settings, the impact of AI on the profession, and reflect on their career choices and aspirations. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by interpreters today, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in a rapidly changing landscape.
Takeaways
Helen Campbell has been an interpreter since 1973.
Interpreting requires more than just language skills; it demands quick thinking and analysis.
The evolution of technology has changed the landscape of interpretation.
Working conditions in the EU involve complex language combinations and team dynamics.
There are 24 official languages in the EU, creating a diverse interpreting environment.
Passing a rigorous test is essential to work as an interpreter in the EU.
The pandemic significantly impacted interpreting practices and methods.
The English booth in the EU now interprets less due to the prevalence of poor English.
Helen emphasizes the importance of background knowledge in interpreting.
The role of interpreters can vary based on the audience's language proficiency. Interpreters are often more needed in the private sector than in the federal government.
The necessity of interpretation is evident in multilingual settings, especially in conferences.
AI and technology are changing the landscape of interpretation, but human interpreters still play a crucial role.
Young interpreters should not assume job security in the field due to technological advancements.
The profession of interpreting requires continuous adaptation to new tools and methods.
Personal connections and interactions in interpreting are valuable but are diminishing in online settings.
Freelance interpreters with rare language skills will continue to find work despite market changes.
Career aspirations in interpreting should be realistic, considering the evolving job market.
Networking and professional relationships are essential for interpreters to thrive.
Reflecting on past career choices can provide insights into current professional satisfaction.
Sound Bites
"Interpreting is not about languages."
"We had little dictionaries for glossaries."
"There are 24 official languages in the EU."
"Everybody speaks bad English."
"You need to understand what's going on."
"I think that 90 % of the time I'm useful."
"Don't take it for granted."
"I wish I had started this career earlier."
"I would like to see both of you there."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Helen Campbell's Journey as an Interpreter
04:22 The Aptitude for Interpreting
09:32 The Evolution of Interpretation Techniques
11:34 Working Conditions in the European Union
19:30 The Language Landscape in the EU
22:00 Impact of Technology on Interpretation
24:38 The Role of Interpreters in Different Sectors
28:03 The Necessity of Interpretation in Multilingual Settings
31:04 The Future of Interpretation in the Age of AI
41:05 Reflections on Career Choices and Aspirations