“Countries have gone to war because they’ve misinterpreted one another“(The Interpreter, 2005)

Photo © UNODC / Mengting Li
How is it like being an interpreter?
“Interpreting is a demanding job; it requires total concentration. According to a study, it is one of the three most stressful jobs, together with surgeons and fighter-jet pilots. Two interpreters must take turns in a booth during a normal 6-8 hours daily job to overcome fatigue and be up to the challenge.

People think that a thorough knowledge of languages is the main requirements for an interpreter a top level. I think that, perhaps, general knowledge, to be permanently updated on current affairs and studying thoroughly the discipline you will be servicing, be it social, scientific or technical, are equally important.”

What are the things at work that impressed you?
“One is, at times, taken aback by the dimension of the web of international meetings which is constantly taking place. You may think that it is a slow way of dealing with international relations or coordinating scientific standards or labour relations in the world. In fact, probably there is no easy democratic alternative to it and the lack of it could have sad consequences for co-existence.”

One thing that you learned from your work?
“After a life working with words you also learn that the real message is often somewhere else.”

Things happened at work that touched you?
“In a long life as a professional I had the chance of working with first rate politicians, film stars and other characters valued by society, but my most rewarding mission was working in prisons with life sentenced terrorist and common prisoners. The sewers of our society are full of suffering and could do with some attention, compassion and help.”

Things about yourself?
“I am probably a dynamic and outgoing person.
I write short stories and poetry, produce and stage shows. I have been a journalist and dubbed feature films. Love music and painting.
I was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and I miss the ease of the place, the warmth of its people and the harbour’s smell.”

One biggest wish?
“To be able to contribute to peace and understanding.”

Any advice to give?
“I have no advice to give.”

Any regret in life?
“No, life is unpredictable; I take that as a learning challenge and willingly accept that the past does not lend itself to be modified.”