The Accidental Protagonist: Book Review

a book open flat on the table, seen from the bottom, with the pages sticking out in the shape of an arc

Endearing, controversial, genuine or stereotypically mean, a relatable character is key to any book plot. It helps if the protagonist’s life is eventful and glamorous, or if her job is somehow awe-inspiring or tinged with a hint of mystery. Add a drop of mischief and intrigue, some eavesdropping and world-changing encounters, and the magical spell is cast. Perhaps partially for that reason, […]

How to Land a TED Lesson

As I write this post, my TED Lesson on How Interpreters Juggle Two Languages at Once has been viewed nearly 800,000 times. In an animated video that is barely five minutes long, the lesson sheds light on an insanely stressful occupation most people know nothing about. The TED lesson makes viewers aware of the key […]

KUDO on Interpreting: A Reassuring Message

Cloud-based interpreting (a.k.a. RSI) is the biggest technological innovation in interpreting since the Nuremberg Trials. Granted, audio quality, microphone design and headset ergonomics have all improved markedly since World War II. But despite the modern technology, a microphone is still a microphone. And the headsets used in Nuremberg don’t look drastically different from the ones […]

Speaking Through Interpreters: The Cheat Sheet

If you are speaking abroad, chances are people will not be listening to you. Rather, they will be listening to an interpreter (a.k.a. translator, although that is technically a misnomer). Sure, it all depends on the country and the dominant language where you’re going. But at some point, somewhere, it will happen to you. Now, aren’t […]