Current location:politics >>
VOX POPULI: Ippei Mizuhara’s interpretation skills make the news even sadder
politics52752People have gathered around
IntroductionWhen I was a university student working part time as an interpreter, my instructor often cautioned m ...
When I was a university student working part time as an interpreter, my instructor often cautioned me, “Neither add to, nor subtract from, what you are supposed to be translating. Remember to remain completely ‘invisible.’”
I deserved the warning because whenever I was surprised or flummoxed on the job, it would show on my face. Every time I was told that other people found my reactions irritating, I acutely felt the difficulty of this job.
Masao Kunihiro (1930-2014), dubbed the “god of simultaneous interpretation,” was my hero. I once wrote him a letter. To my surprise and utter delight, he wrote me back, encouraging me to “study and master the basics.”
But I had neither the quickness of mind nor the moxie he considered essential to the profession, and I eventually gave up.
Ippei Mizuhara, the long-time interpreter of Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been fired over suspected illegal gambling.
In a statement he issued during a news conference on March 26, Ohtani said his feelings “could not be easily described in words.” They must have been quite complex, given his closeness to Mizuhara.
Watching a different interpreter sitting next to Ohtani, it suddenly occurred to me that I had never seen Mizuhara take notes even during formal news conferences.
I remember being taught to “write down numbers and proper nouns,” but Mizuhara may have been blessed with an outstanding memory.
He translated even lengthy questions by U.S. reporters with apparent ease, sometimes “embellishing” or “editing out” to ensure clarity.
When Ohtani was injured and his mobility was hampered, Mizuhara brought him food and took him to physical therapy appointments. During the Home Run Derby preceding an All-Star Game, he even served as Ohtani’s catcher.
Mizuhara’s role far exceeded that of an interpreter. He was perhaps able to translate without taking notes because he was fully confident of his unshakable relationship of mutual trust with Ohtani.
Interpretation may well have been his calling. But it ended all too abruptly.
--The Asahi Shimbun, March 27
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Global Graph news portal”。http://tanzania.whetstonetavern.com/news-71e199925.html
Related articles
Baja California: How a beach trip turned deadly for surfers from Australia and US
politicsMEXICO CITY (AP) — Two Australians and an American were doing what they loved on the stunning, large ...
【politics】
Read moreMichael Busch homers in his 4th straight game to power the Cubs past the Mariners 3
politicsSEATTLE (AP) — Rookie Michael Busch homered for the fourth straight game, Javier Assad struck out si ...
【politics】
Read more'Taylor Swift must be getting sick of this': Travis Kelce is SLAMMED over 'cringe' beer
politicsTravis Kelce finally graduated from the University of Cincinnati this week - but his chaotic onstage ...
【politics】
Read more
Popular articles
- A US company is fined $650,000 for illegally hiring children to clean meat processing plants
- China accelerates building of new quality productive forces
- DR ELLIE CANNON: Are the drugs I'm taking to blame for my hip pain?
- Traditional Chinese Mid
- Russia critic Kara
- Tiger Woods BOMBS his 100th round at Augusta National as golf legend scores 16
Latest articles
Beyonce puts on a cheeky display in bottom
Chinese scientists invent ultrathin optical crystal for next
Int'l scientists conduct joint experiments with China's artificial sun team
China releases first pan
Emily Andre shares sweet snap breastfeeding her baby daughter in hospital as she thanks midwives
U.S. moon lander Peregrine completes re
LINKS
- Beijing Enhances Intangible Cultural Heritage Preservation
- China Focus: China to Deliver Improved Community Services to Both Urban, Rural Dwellers
- Construction of Mainland
- Farmers Across Guizhou Busy with Spring Agricultural Production
- Feature: Beijing Normal University Pioneers Integrating Sports, Education
- China's Ma Long, Wang Manyu through at WTT Champions
- UN Issues Stamps to Celebrate Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games
- Maternity Leave Extended in 25 Chinese Provinces: Official
- Railway Workers Prepare for Spring Festival Travel Rush
- China Steps up Personality Rights Protection on Internet