The interpreter's bag

"Training can only go so far to prepare interpreters for any situation. Experience and the support and advice of senior and more seasoned colleagues provide the rest. As so often, it is the simple preparations that make the difference between a professional and non-professional approach over and above actual interpreting competence ... "

I would have been glad to have bought the book on public service interpreting by Ann Corsellis even only for these simple lines. But there is much more than makes the book worth and an eye opener (and a welcome break from the unique perspective of life as seen from the booth!). Never had I read before about the public interpreter's bag content, dress code and the reasons for it, matter of safety for the interpreter herself and more. It is a fascinating read unless you are a seasoned public service interpreting. Some settings briefly mentioned read like urban war zone, not your cordial buffet for schmoozing around in cocktails or well behaved business presentation sessions. It tells about getting ready for the unexpected. I have had boatloads of this over the phone but it must a totally different action when face to face. And when at war ... !

Just when I was thinking about interpreters in conflictual settings, I found these rousing articles, in English and French by the same author. These are overwelming. Something is brewing in the closed kingdom of the AIIC. Looks they kind of feel there's a world outside the cocoon. Good. More bags in demand.