President Obama made the news recently due to a malfunction in the translation equipment that left him in the dark. The wireless audio feed that sends the interpreted language to the President ceased to function. So, the only thing President Obama could do was smile and nod at the Prime Minister of Portugal, Jose Socrates.
“With the two leaders standing together, [Prime Minister] Socrates launched into a minutes-long discussion of the U.S.-Portugal relationship. But unless Obama brushed up on his Portuguese before landing, he couldn’t understand a thing. An audio feed that pipes English translations through an earpiece for the president and U.S. reporters failed.”
This mishap tells us two things…
First, all equipment, no matter how meticulously tested and re-tested is bound to fail at some point. We can only hope that it is not when it is truly needed! I’m sure that due to the importance and high-visibility of the meeting that all equipment was thoroughly checked multiple times before it was to be used.
The second point that needs to be made is that the people responsible for the simultaneous interpretation equipment should have simple and clear instructions that can be acted upon in case of a failure. These instructions should be relayed and agreed upon both by the interpreters as well as the speaker being interpreted. When it comes down to it, you don’t want your audience missing out on what’s being said…especially a President.
As any company who handles simultaneous conference interpretation and conference interpretation equipment rentals and sales can attest, always expect the unexpected and have a contingency plan. So what could the interpreters and equipment technician have done? Well, these are a couple options that we have used at Atlas Language Services. We typically have at least one or two Portable/Tour Guide units preset to coordinating channels. These portable units can be a lifesaver if in a bind. Also, they can pick up where the stationary equipment left off.
The other option would have been to have one interpreter exit the booth and sit/stand next to President Obama and “whisper” interpret. Although neither option is ideal, they could have helped remedy the situation.
It is a situation that everyone dreads but how the technician, project manager or interpreters take control and handle it is what separates them from all others.
Atlas Language Services, Inc., a Chicago based Language Service Provider specializing in language interpretation (spoken), translation (written), localization and conference interpretation equipment rentals and sales. Atlas Language Services, Inc. can be reached on our contact us page.
Kevin McQuire is the President/CEO.
FAQs
What happened during President Obama’s meeting with the Prime Minister of Portugal?
During President Obama’s meeting with Prime Minister José Sócrates of Portugal, the wireless audio equipment that provided real-time translation failed. As a result, President Obama could not understand the Prime Minister’s speech and could only smile and nod during the exchange.
Why is having a backup plan for interpretation equipment important?
Backup plans are crucial because equipment, no matter how well-tested, can fail at any moment. Having contingency options like portable units or alternative interpretation methods can prevent miscommunications, especially in high-stakes meetings.
What are some alternative solutions if simultaneous interpretation equipment fails?
If interpretation equipment fails, alternatives include using portable/tour guide units with preset channels, or having an interpreter perform “whisper interpretation,” standing next to the speaker to provide real-time translation.
How can simultaneous interpretation providers ensure minimal disruption during equipment malfunctions?
Providers can ensure minimal disruption by preparing backup equipment, training technicians and interpreters to respond quickly, and having clear communication protocols in place. These steps ensure that the interpretation process continues smoothly even if technical issues arise.