Shorouk Magdy
An English <> Arabic Interpreter, translator, voice-over, and localizer who loves to know new people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Location egypt, cairo.
Activity
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Shorouk Magdy
@HeatherRodgers Thank you so much Heather for your nice feedback. ^_^
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Shorouk Magdy
@GiovannaFassetta Thank you so much for your nice feedback. I believe it should be done in each interpreting session as this is a matter of life and death as we always say for the refugees and asylum seekers. So, I believe it would be very important to be accurate and do it for every session.
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@PaolaIntina Dear Paola, thank you so much for your feedback. Yes, I absolutely agree with you, an interpreter can never stop learning new things over and over again. It's considered a main part of our job.
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Shorouk Magdy
@GiovannaFassetta Yes, I absolutely agree with you.
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Andy Garrett
@GiovannaFassetta I believe, it should be a rule set by the agencies. However, if the interpreter wishes to do something else or be available at any other means of contact, it's up to them. But, setting a general rule is considered a good thing, I believe.
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Shorouk Magdy
@GiovannaFassetta Yes, I kind of agree with that too, because, I believe it depends on different characters, whether, you're a bit flexible or not. Also, humanitarian interpreters, I believe, have this kind of human urge and continuous desire that they want to do their best to be there for those victims and to do what they can to help them. So, it's really...
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Shorouk Magdy
@GiovannaFassetta Yes, exactly, I believe it's very hard too after all this time of knowledge.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Thank you so much our lovely tutors and thank you so much too my amazing colleagues for your fruitful thoughts and sharing your beneficial experiences with us.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Of course, the course was very much useful, whether for starters or for professionals who did not have enough knowledge of the different circumstances and experiences interpreters get exposed to. It was very interesting discussing too many ideas and cases with you and my colleagues and I believe this has benefited us a lot.
I would like to see if there...
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Dear Maria, I like your opinion regarding the interpreters' purpose of work. An interpreter of course has to have this desire to working in such contexts because it's full of challenges that are difficult than any other context, and if he/she does not love what they are doing, they will not perform their job efficiently.
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Dear Marianna, I couldn't agree more, the interpreter of course has to be up-to date about the language, culture, and the surrounding events in the world in order to be able to perform their jobs efficiently, and not to miss out anything.
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@DinaK I believe linking to network and resources is a very good idea as the interpreters need to benefit from shared experiences.
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Yes, I absolutely agree with you, dear Dina. The idea of the data base is really good and may be of great help to all interpreters.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
- I believe a starting person should:
- Learn the basics, have the necessary educational background about interpreting, and get the necessary courses or supportive trainings in the field with its different contexts in order to work effectively.
- Read, study, and be very well aware of the cultures of the two languages he/she is interpreting to and from in... -
Shorouk Magdy made a comment
- I believe yes, they do need training. As we mentioned before, interpreters who are professional and excellent at their work, have to have the necessary qualifications and trainings before performing jobs so as to be fully ready and because working in such contexts is very critical and not like any other context of interpreting and it differs with contexts...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Following on my commentNo, but I should be impartial and keep neutrality, and do not engage in any personal involvement with them outside work conditions, but at the situation, itself, I have to use a mixture of both my mind and my feelings as well. It’s as if I’m making a balance between the heart and the mind. After all, we are not machines, however, we...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
- I think that feeling sympathy and empathy towards refugee does not mean that I befriend them. Interpreters must have this kind of empathy as a person in order to perform their job perfectly. As we said before, the interpreter’s job is not only about conveying two languages and that’s it. It’s about having the necessary communication skills including empathy...
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Thank you for such detailed and comprehensive articles and study. In fact, I was not aware of the whole possible situations in which an interpreter may be distressed and pressured during work. This has really shown me the importance of self care and emotional well-being. Also, I can add that interpreters are sympathetic with their clients, yes, to the extent...
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@SebastiaanvanderVoort I like your suggestions for solutions very much. They are very good ideas, my friend. Inter-vision group is a very good solution so that the interpreters who are still at the beginning of their career would benefit from others if they are met with similar cases.
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Elena Zanuccoli
I agree with you too dear Elena. Experience of course shall help the interpreter a lot, cause, he/she shall be exposed to different situations and similar cases that he reaches the phase in which he/she can handle the issue smoothly and politely at the same time without posing any pressure on any party.
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Andy Garrett
@AndyGarrett Yes, I agree with you, dear Andy, counselling and psychological support from time to time would be a great way to support the interpreter and help him/her perform jobs effectively, especially, that some at the very beginning of their career, might not have been exposed to similar cases where there is a huge emotional pressure. Also, it would be...
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Dina Rashad
Dear Dina, I totally agree with you, as I have the same opinion that interpreters should clarify their role, their restrictions of the profession from the very beginning to keep clarity.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
- Unfortunately, I don’t have similar experience.
- I believe that the action of the interpreter is very good and wise. Refugees because of human nature tend to forget that this is something professional and pressure on the humanitarian part of the interpreter more, that you cannot reject someone or you cannot give upon helping someone. But, as an... -
Shorouk Magdy replied to Alfonso Moles
True, I totally agree with you, dear Alfonso, it's pretty much difficult to determine one's experiences. That's why, the interpreter has to be ready and well aware of any cultural specific concepts and express them clearly and honestly.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
2- I believe that interpreters should be impartial as we know. However, in very exceptional cases, in which there might be a misunderstanding that is very clear to the interpreter and is not a situation of doubt on any level, the interpreter should interfere to dissolve such misunderstanding cause it might save the lives of the refugees and might help them....
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
- I think an interpreter can never be sure of such thing, except if he/she knows the exact culture of that country and is very much aware of such instances like the one with proving that the lady is the man’s wife. I believe it’s very difficult for the interpreter and others to determine the truth spoken by the refugee especially if they’re not aware of such...
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Shorouk Magdy
@AlfonsoMoles Indeed, Thanks for your feedback.
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Shorouk Magdy replied to KONSTANTINOS TZEDAKIS
I totally agree with you, my dear friend, however, I believe that the lawyer has to be aware of the two languages too, in order to be able to judge the situation honestly and correctly. This is because the interpreter might discuss some things regarding financial matters with the refugee in the pre-interview, in the language that the lawyer is not aware of and...
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Elena Zanuccoli
Dear Elena, I admire your empathy and kindness of course. Actually, I believe that we as interpreters and translators have this kind of sense of duty to ourselves and to others that we are the only channel of communication between some people and we are the ones who can break language barriers and save lives and that's why, we always have this tendency to help...
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Susan S
Yes, dear Susan, I believe you are right supervision is really important. I, too, would highly recommend it, so that all the parties would be supervised and if there is a similar case of the interpreter being dishonored requiring money, the supervision department would apply penalties and so on.
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Dina K
Dear Dina, I believe your action was really wise, responsible, and impartial. Many interpreters should act like the way you did.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Following on my comment: I myself had a job of transcription of "court materials" because of such issue before, I was assigned as a translator and as a transcriber to transcribe a session of the court that was between an interpreter and an asylum seeker too. So, I had a huge responsibility as a transcriber to record each and every word said and make a detailed...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
2- I believe that in such cases, or in legal contexts which are very critical and most important for refugee contexts in interpreting as the interpretation is responsible for saving lives. This could be prevented by making sure to record the whole session of the refugee and asylums seeker, through equipment, or through some people who can be employed and...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- As someone who hasn't worked in the context of refugees before, this hasn't happened to me.
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Shorouk Magdy replied to M. KH
I believe this is true my friend, reminding the client of the interpreter's scope is always a good idea, but, we are humans, and like this situation, the interpreter has been with the client for two years, so, it's a bit natural for him to consider her as a friend, even, if she is only performing her job and that's it. This is I guess human nature. So, I...
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Alfonso Moles
Yes, dear Alfonso, I agree with you, it's not a good idea to sit next to each other, especially, with some agencies which have a strict code of ethics, this might pose many problems for the interpreter on the professional level; as he/she might be accused of being partial or biased to the patient's side, even if nothing happened. This might create too many...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
2- the interpreter handled this situation very well. She was frank, transparent and open as she frankly said to the patient that she had a responsibility to translate anything he shall say, so if he doesn't wish sth. to be translated. He might keep it to himself. I guess she acted professionally on this point because again she is not a medical expert or...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- This could pose many challenges for the interpreter, especially, she said that she's been interpreting for him for 2 years now. So, there is a kind of a strong work relationship between them and some kind of previous personal shared knowledge. That's why, he was acting so freely with her as a friend and even invited her for dinner, but, she was quite smart...
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Dear Maria and Paola, I agree with both of you. Indeed, A unified set of rules and code of conduct is important, but, also it has to include some of the exceptions faced by the interpreters and that;'s why I believe that experienced interpreters should be the ones who enact such codes of conduct and rules because they will be the ones who are fully aware of...
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I completely agree with you; that's why we have been saying that training and qualifications are really important for working interpreters and the interpreter should not be someone who knows two languages and that's it.
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I totally agree with you Sebastiaan. I have said so too, regarding the warning and the gradual legal action. Blacklisting is a good idea too for interpreters to realize how critical is this issue.
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I totally agree with you Sebastiaan. I have said so too, regarding the warning and the gradual legal action. Blacklisting is a good idea too for interpreters to realize how critical is this issue.
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- I agree with the interpreter in listing some consequences for breaking or breaching such codes of conduct. However, it should be done gradually, for example, giving warnings at the beginnings because some of the interpreters are like we discussed not aware of many ethics and codes of conduct because some agencies are committed to them and others are not....
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That is really good. Thank you for such clear listing of similarities and differences
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Thank you for a most detailed and descriptive way in listing the similarities and differences. I did not notice the one related to criminal records.
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Yes, that is true regarding the 1st point in differences, did not quite catch that. Well done my friend.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
There are some similarities which are: confidentiality, respect for persons, impartiality and competence that interpreters should not accept jobs unless they are competent for them.
Some differences are:
- Code of ethics for (Language Market Place) do not state a certain uniform or a certain code of clothing like CAPITA.
- LMP does not specify any... -
Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- In Egypt, I do not think, or I have never been aware before of any code of conduct regarding the ethics of working in interpreting field. However, some of the most professional interpreters or well-known interpreters in the market have created a set of code of ethics that are known for them and that they follow during their jobs. Also, some follow the code...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
3- Confidentiality: I guess an example would be in the case of "sexual exploitation" > the client may be anxious or does not want to convey all information or may withhold or hide information that is really critical to the service providers or legal parties assigned to help them for fear of being chased by the previous exploiters and their threats to them. So,...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
2- Regarding impartiality question: this has never happened to me in interpretation before, regarding the context of refugee and immigrants. So, I cannot recall an example of this. However, this happened to me in the translation of a certain political article in news and a certain literary work that was supposed to address a political issue like "the...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- I guess that accuracy is important at all levels and at all contexts; because in a situation that is critical like interpreting in the contexts of refugees, every tiny piece of information is considered important. This does not mean literal translation, but, it means that the interpreter should convey all the intended meanings and messages on both parties...
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Yes, you're totally right.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Thank you all so much for such a fruitful and beneficial course and looking forward to our discussions in week three. It's a really comprehensive course that includes too many points and issues. Also, I liked the videos provided so much and I hope it would be used more cause they are much more efficient in conveying information than reading written materials I...
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You're absolutely right my friend, because, like discussed before, empathy and being emotionally connected and understanding others' situations and conditions is a major part of an interpreter working in these contexts and that's why we said in the first place that it's not only about interpreting from one language to another, but also about carrying certain...
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I think yes, you have to stick the rules, but at the same time, we should make balance between the two like bending the rules a bit or seeing what's suitable in the situation in order to achieve safety and protection for everyone especially if you're as an interpreter responsible for the life of someone in that context. As an empathetic person like you, I...
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I agree with you, the client's safety should be the first priority as it would be horrible to have this feeling of exposing someone to danger and hurt them in a way.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Unfortunately, I haven't worked as an interpreter in the context of refugees, yet and so I cannot recall this.
I think the interpreter's decision was wise here, because for me I think I would do the same and I would make the same decision about preferring not to tell this information which would make the situation worse for the detainee or refugee, not... -
Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- I was surprised by the process by which the bail happens as I thought that the individual or detainee would be in court with the interpreter and the supporter, but, actually it is not that way. Also, I think this is not good for the detainee because lots of problems could be created for him/her in that aspect, because having the hearing through a video link...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- I think that they have to be well aware that not all interpreters are efficient and not all are of good knowledge about legal terms or concepts, or law background. So, the lawyer has to make sure that the interpreter is really understanding and expressing what he/she means. The interpreters I guess make their part of the job too; if they have a job like...
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I think that's why the interpreter needs to receive the appropriate training and this brings us back to the issue of hiring interpreters without being sure of their qualifications or proficiency in their job or interpreting as this might lead to many problems if they are not qualified or well acquainted with the two languages of interpreting. Some work as...
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Yes, I agree with you my friend that the interpreter can intervene in a similar case to fix things up because sometimes, it's a life or death situation according to the appellant.
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I think I agree with your third point too my friend as it might cause problems for the interpreter. So, I think it's the interpreter's choice and has to think wisely of the consequences before making a decision like that.
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I totally agree with you as I think the interpreter has to intervene because he is the only who is able to understand both parties and if there is a certain misunderstanding depending on cultural or linguistic factors, he/she might be the only one who's able to solve the problem.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- Of course, as we discussed before the interpreter is not only transmitting words from a language to another, but, also he/she must be aware of the culture mediated as they might face some problems during interpreting if they didn't understand what the refugee means by a certain thing, which leads us back to the fact that the interpreter must do a great job...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- She faced some problems basically related to the behaviour of the refugee's mother-in-law, first when she said there was no need for an interpreter as she knows the two languages. Second, she kept looking awkwardly at the interpreter which made her not feel comfortable and consequently affected her emotions and being in the place and so she might lose...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- That's an interesting article. I think yes, it's necessary that the interpreters should take the appropriate training in this regard as they are always exposed to different emotional effects and experiences related to distress, trauma, etc. and people have different characters and not all people are psychologically stable and can bear this amount of...
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Shorouk Magdy
Yes, my dear friend, I totally agree with you. The interpreter's job is not only about transmitting words and expressions from one language to another, but also about being very well acquainted with the culture itself, in order to be able to communicate better with refugees and convey the messages as exactly as they are in the source language. Plus, knowing...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- Well, he should convey to the doctor that it really hurts the patient through language of course, and the dr. is present and sees the patient's reactions, feeling pain, moaning, etc. So, I don't think that he should really mimic the tone or the facial expression because it might sound as if he is mocking the patient which is not good.
2- I think it was a...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
In Arabic, here is a similar example "النكد" or (Al- Nakkad) which is very similar to the concept of "Al- hamm". It actually carries many nuances. it could be translated as "petulance", "sadness", "distemper", etc. and it's commonly one of the Arabic words that are really more used in colloquial Arabic than Classical Arabic. The word can be used as a verb, an...
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Hi, Maria. Thank you so much for your interesting comment and thought. I had no idea you know Arabic :D and I'm really glad to know. ^_^ You're a right, yeah, that I can as an Egyptian Arabic native translate it in colloquial Arabic to match up with the idea that it's a poem in a certain dialect in English (Scottish). So, they would be equivalent to each...
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@BeautyFetimi Yes, Fetimi, I absolutely agree with you. It gives the refugee a sense of trust and support as they would feel more comfortable and have the confidence that the service providers are really there to help.
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@JamieSpurway Yes, I totally agree with you as it would be better of course if the refugee is asked at first about his/her preference.
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I totally agree with you regarding the point of putting male interpreters with male refugees and female interpreters with female refugees. I believe it would make the process a lot easier and would make communication between the parties more smooth.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- Interpreters must convey words as they are to the service providers, not trying to change the meaning or rephrase the sentences of the refugee in a sense that they think is conveying the meaning better for service providers, thinking they are helping, because this might cause a problem.
Also, interpreters have to be ready emotionally in such contexts and... -
Shorouk Magdy made a comment
I think that if someone knows 2 languages for example (bilingualism), this could be a problem too because he/she might know another language and be fluent in it as if he/she is a native speaker, but, still, it's not their native language and it's not their native country. So, I believe that language is a questionable tool when using it in determining the...
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1- The interpreter might not understand completely the Scottish person's conversation, unless he was aware of the dialect very well. So, there would be a problem of communication between the interpreter and the refugee, interpreting would take a lot of time, because the interpreter might need repetition of many words or statements to get them. So, the...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Oh, that was really so hard and so exciting at the same time. I didn't understand much of the poem, but, there were lots of separate words that I got right. However, I tried to translate the first line as requested in my native language "Arabic" and here is my translation:
حين يخلد الأطفال إلى النوم في الليل،
يتشاجرون ويثيرون الكثير من الضجة،
"اخلدوا إلى... -
Shorouk Magdy made a comment
It's very interesting to have an insight into all of these things and it would be lovely that we will get to see some of practitioners' work and experiences. Thanks, guys!
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Thank you so much for this incredible and interesting content we have had during week 1. I'm really excited about week 2.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Of course, interpreting is a creative process. It's not limited to using languages only. It's about communicating and how to find a way to approach to people and make them talk. It's also very challenging. So, you have to have that creative mentality of dealing with any challenge or solving any issue you face. Also, your role is not only limited to...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Thank you so much for these important and fruitful points in the article. It gives us a huge overlook on everything clearly.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
The video is really so much useful. Thanks everyone. It is indeed a great challenge for the interpreter on many levels to understand the state of those victims and be able to communicate with them and of course get them to trust him/her. That is why, it requires a lot of patience and empathy.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
1- Interpreters' experience vary between different contexts because they have to be well-aware of many topics and their specialized terms; for example, they have to be very well-prepared with the required terminology and understanding of legal terms and concepts, within the contexts of meeting with lawyers, so as not to make a mistake during interpretation and...
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1- I knew that there is a distinction between the two terms and they are not used in the same way because there are four terms that need to be distinguished from each other in English, as far as I know, because they are not the same and when we translate these terms in Arabic (my native language), they are translated differently: (Migrants - immigrants -...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
A refugee is someone who seeks a place of accomodation in another place apart from their country of residence due to many reasons like war, poverty, crises, natural disasters, prosecution, etc. They are forced to do so and flee their country, seeking a safer place in another host country.
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Family members should be used only if a professional interpreter is not available. This is because it's too much risky as we examined above that a family member interprets whether an adult or a child. Whether being comfortable or not, but, the professional interpreter would be neutral and would be much more efficient and proficient in conveying the messages...
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1- As a family member, you cannot separate your emotions and adopting a certain attitude towards the parties of the conversation. So, this might lead the interpreter to not being neutral in interpreting especially if he/she has an issue or a problem with the party he/she's interpreting from and to as we saw in the video with Natasha, when the interpreter was...
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Yes, I think that agencies should require qualifications as interpreters would never be qualified enough unless they have the necessary knowledge and background and professional training. This is because our job is so much critical and puts lives on stake. Whether working in humanitarian disasters' context or other contexts, you should be fully acquainted with...
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In Egypt, the profession of translation or interpretation is not protected unfortunately at all. There is no certain entity for all translators or interpreters in our country and so anyone can just enter the industry claiming to be a translator or an interpreter. Unfortunately, the profession of interpreting is not easy at all for anyone to get it in Egypt,...
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Shorouk Magdy replied to Shorouk Magdy
Thank you Maria for greeting in my native language ^_^ I'm sure it will. Thank you so much for the support.
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Hi Maria, thank you so much for your reply and fruitful opinion. I totally agree with you. I know that you should be qualified of course, but, I believe that it's considered as a part of the interpreter's skills in dealing with people and communication skills. That's why it might be problematic in some respects, because it somehow depends on the character of...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
This is a very interesting and useful articles. I agree with its facts really because I have especially done research in the area of "community/humanitarian interpreting" and I was faced by the lack of resources whether in theoretical or practical aspects. I think that we as professional interpreters or even interpreting students/trainees should contribute to...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Hello, I'm Shorouk. I think that Humanitarian interpreting is about providing interpreting from one language to another for victims of a specific crisis who cannot speak the language of the humanitarian-aid providers in natural disasters, wars, and it might cover court-interpreting too and therefore, they might not understand their rights, or the services...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Hello, I'm Shorouk. I work as an English <> Arabic interpreter and translator. I've a Diploma in English <> Arabic interpreting and translation studies, Ain-Shams University. Currently, I'm working on my MA thesis in translation and interpreting studies examining the issue of gender and translation. I've done research papers in the field of translation and...
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Shorouk Magdy made a comment
Hello everyone, I'm Shorouk Magdy; an English <> Arabic interpreter and translator. I'm an Arabic native, English is my major and Spanish is my second language. I've a Diploma in English <> Arabic interpreting and translation studies, Ain-Shams University. Currently, I'm working on my MA thesis in translation and interpreting studies examining the issue of...
