In this episode of Found in Interpretation Podcast, hosts Alain Breton and Brian Bickford interview Ahmed El Khamloussy, an interpreter at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ahmed shares his journey into the world of interpreting, detailing his experiences with high-profile trials and the challenges of dealing with vicarious trauma.
He discusses the complexities of interpreting in multiple languages, the difficulties in finding qualified interpreters, and the ICC's focus on Africa. The conversation also touches on jurisdictional issues and concludes with a personal story related to the Iraq War. In this conversation, Ahmed El Khamloussy shares his journey from interpreting at the University of Ottawa to working at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He discusses the challenges and nuances of interpretation, the importance of continuous learning, and the role of AI in the field. Ahmed emphasizes the significance of teaching and training future interpreters, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that comes from the profession.
Takeaways
Ahmed El Khamloussy is a staff interpreter at the ICC.
His journey began with a master's in translation from the University of Ottawa.
He has interpreted for high-profile trials since the ICC's inception.
Vicarious trauma is a significant concern for interpreters.
Interpreters must balance emotional involvement with professional duties.
The ICC has specific working and official languages.
Finding interpreters for lesser-known languages is challenging.
Field missions are essential for gathering accurate testimonies.
The ICC's focus on Africa is due to the principle of complementarity.
Jurisdictional limitations affect the ICC's ability to prosecute individuals from Western countries. The journey to The Hague is often a gradual process.
Continuous learning is essential for interpreters.
Curiosity about various subjects enhances interpreting skills.
AI has limitations in understanding context and nuance.
Confidentiality is a major concern when using AI in interpretation.
The role of an interpreter is complex and multifaceted.
Teaching and training are vital components of the interpreting profession.
Enjoying the process is crucial for success in interpretation.
Interpreters must adapt to different registers and contexts.
Hard work is as important as talent in becoming a good interpreter.