Here is the clip of Marie Iida interpreting that I have asked you to watch
And here is the link to the article: click here
or cut and paste this link:
https://qz.com/quartzy/1527584/marie-kondos-interpreter-is-unsung-hero-of-konmari-phenomenon/amp/?fbclid=IwAR3Og2s-BMnA5dGH1UB_SFOsryuGVmfM5aERW7I_yUkTU-XdU1WvkRDF1G4
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Iida's ability to both comprehend, translate, and subsequently interpret Japanese is awe-inspiring. During the interview, she was able to listen to the show's host, translate what the host was saying into Japanese as she was speaking, and then was able to immediately convey the host's ideas and questions to Marie Kondo.
ReplyDeleteIida also uses a dynamic tone and hand gestures when interpreting. Her interpretations are not static. This allows for listeners to better comprehend not only what Marie Kondo is saying, but also allows for a look into who she is as a person without having to hear her express her ideas in English. Iida also ensures that Marie is the center of attention throughout the interview. When on camera, she appears to be emulating Marie, but not in a crude manner. It was as if Iida was not present, only Marie. Iida's ability to keep the focus on her client is, in my opinion, the mark of a skilled interpreter. Hopefully by the end of the semester, I will be able to at least be as half as good as Marie Iida!
Iida's skill as an interpreter is reflective of the need for non-AI interpreters and translators. As we discussed in class, AI is slowly becoming more widely used to translate texts. However, numerous issues arise when AI is used in translation. For example, the kanji for grass (草) is used the same as 'lol' is used in English. So, when AI is used to translate a sentence that uses this character as 'lol,' it often translates the character as meaning grass. Human interpreters who are trained in the nuances of the Japanese language would correctly translate 草 as 'lol.' AI, in its current state of development, is also incapable of expressing a wide array of emotions, something that which is vital in oral interpretation. Without hand gestures and facial expressions, many unspoken words will often be lost in translation.
In her interview, Iida discusses how much she reads in both languages to stay in form as an interpreter. She mentions the approximate daily lexicon contains about 700 words, which doesn't seem particularly daunting as the average native speaker knows approximately 20-35,000 words. However, it is difficult in conveying the nuances and individuality reflected in a person's vocabulary. From what I've seen of her work with Marie Kondo, Iida is able to fluently relay the quirks and personality embedded in Kondo's speech, with the added pressure of being on camera. Without Iida stuttering every now and then, I would have suspected the pair of being telepathic. I really enjoyed seeing her showcase the skill ceiling and expressive range of a trade generally thought to be mechanical and thus, able to be automated.
ReplyDeleteIida really seems to be able to convey everything that Marie is expressing even having to deal with translating the nuances in the language. I really enjoyed seeing her be able to translate the sentences so swiftly, while also not loosing or removing anything that Marie was saying. I also find it very endearing that in the interview she discusses how her and Marie have a more interpersonal relationship which I think allows Iida to really understand and be able to interpret what Marie means when she is translating her words. It takes knowing someone on a deeper level to really be able to understand and reiterate what the other individual means when they say certain things.
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