“International negotiations are always a difficult game of diplomacy, interests and contexts. But the facade of open meetings, statements and smiles is often a less noticeable, but critically important figure – translator. It’s not just a person who is mechanically translating the word from one language to another. It is a mediator between cultures, political contexts, emotions and intentions. And from his work”, – WRITE ON: ua.news
International negotiations are always a difficult game of diplomacy, interests and contexts. But the facade of open meetings, statements and smiles is often a less noticeable, but critically important figure – translator.
It’s not just a person who is mechanically translating the word from one language to another. It is a mediator between cultures, political contexts, emotions and intentions. And his work may depend on the success or failure of negotiations, the effectiveness of international dialogue and even strategic government decisions.
In the modern world, diplomacy requires not only political skills, but also full accuracy in communication. The rejection of the use of professional translators can lead to serious misunderstandings that affect international relations.
The current leadership of the Ukrainian state, according to rumors, does not love translators too much. Western media They write Both the President Zelensky and the head of his office Andriy Yermak prefer to speak English personally with his visa, refusing instead the services of professional translators.
And if the head of the Ukrainian state is English, according to Western journalists, simply “mediocre”, then the head of the op is frankly “so”, if not to say “bad”. Foreign media reports that the leadership of Ukraine almost fundamentally refuses the services of translators and conducts personal talks with international partners in English. In some places, it causes some misunderstanding and can potentially lead to conflicts, the type of Trump in the White House.
UA.News gathered curious cases in history when foreign politicians and leaders did not use their mother tongue, giving up the translator – and found out what it led to. Also in this article our publication will explain why the role of translator in international negotiations is crucial and why you should in no way give it up, even if you know a foreign language.
When language is important: funny cases from history when it was better to use a translator
Guide Winterwell and Bad Possession English
In 2009, the then foreign minister of Germany, Gupest Westerwelele, refused to answer questions in English during a press conference, saying the following: “In Germany it is normal to speak German.” This step caused criticism. Why? Because in reality his English level was not sufficient for effective international communication. This emphasized the importance of proficiency in foreign languages or the use of translators in diplomacy.
Benito Mussolini: Refusal of translators and consequences
The Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini during meetings with German Fuurir Adolf Hitler insisted on communication without translators, although his knowledge of German was limited. And it is still gently said: in fact, duo, like many in those days, was influenced by the German and tried to please the leader of the German people, but in reality he did not learn the language of the “Aryans”, confusing even basic things. This led to misunderstandings and complicated negotiations. It is rumored that Hitler called Mussolini “this Italian idiot” in a close circle, although historically it has not been confirmed. This approach again emphasizes the risks of rejection of professional translation into diplomacy.
Benjamin Dizraeli: Language call at Berlin Congress
During the Berlin Congress of 1878, the then British Prime Minister Benjamin Dizraeli decided to speak French, breaking the diplomatic protocol. This caused indignation among delegates because his French pronunciation was bad, and many did not understand what the British leader said. This case once again emphasizes the importance of compliance with language norms in international negotiations.
Jan Masaryk: Diplomatic Response to Language Policy
In 1936, German Ambassador Joachim von Ribbentrop sent a diplomatic ball to English diplomats in German, violating the tradition of using French as a language of diplomacy. Czech Ambassador Jan Masaryk, a well -known anti -fascist, replied with dignity: the man wrote a letter in Czech, and other ambassadors followed his example and began to write in their national languages. This caused real chaos at the German Embassy because they did not have translators for all languages. This case demonstrates the importance of adherence to the language protocol in diplomatic relations.
Tony Blair: a linguistic miss in France
In 1998, the UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, confident in his knowledge of the French language, which he learned in his studenthood, decided to hold a press conference in France without a translator. During his speech, he wanted to express his respect for the French premiere of Lionel Josphen. Everything would be nothing, but the British leader mistakenly said the phrase, which in translation meant “I want Lionel Josphen” in a sexual sense, instead of “I admire Lionel Jospin” as a politician. This mistake caused some embarrassment in the hall and then became the subject of jokes in the European media.
Kevin Radd and multiple orgasms
Australia Prime Minister in the middle of zero Kevin Radd, who studied the Mandarin dialect of Chinese in his youth, decided to speak without a translator during his visit to China. Thus, the official wanted to express respect for the Chinese people. A good idea, however, in his speech, he wanted to emphasize the close relationship between Australia and China, but said the phrase, which in translation, meant “Australia and China experiencing simultaneous orgasms in their relations,” instead of “Australia and China, are experiencing simultaneous growth in their relationships.” This error has caused shock among the audience and became the subject of discussion and jokes in the international media. In particular, some Western medias have been caught: how wonderful is that orgasms in relations between China and Australia are not only mutual, but also multiple!
Jimmy Carter: Diplomatic Confusion in Poland
This story is not the fault of the US President, but the fault of the translator. However, we decided to insert it into our selection because of the overall funny situation.
In December 1977, the newly elected American leader Jimmy Carter began his first international trip from the visit to the then socialist Poland. During a greeting speech at Warsaw Airport, he expressed his desire to “find out about the desire of the Polish people for the future.” However, the translator Stephen Seymour, who at that time had limited experience in oral translation, incorrectly conveyed his words, which led to comic and even abusive interpretations. In particular, the phrase “I left the US this morning” was translated as “I left the US to never To go back “, and” I wish to learn about the desire of the Polish people ” – as” I wish the Polish people “in a sexual sense. These mistakes caused lively, though somewhat nervous laughter in the audience and became the subject of discussion in the media. The Seymour’s grief-translator was released the next morning.
John Kennedy who loved baking
During his visit to Western Berlin in 1962, John Kennedy made an inspired speech that began with the words: “Two thousand years ago, words that were pronounced with particular pride that a person could say“ were “ Sivis romanus sum “(” I am a citizen of Rome “). Now in the free world, the most beautiful words are “Ich Bin Ein Berliner” (bearing in mind that he is Berline). ” And everything would be nothing, but the presence in the phrase Ein changed the meaning of the phrase somewhat, turning proud statement literally into the phrase “I am a donut with jam”. Because it is – Ein Berliner – in Germany is called a powdered pudd donut with jam. This story is still mentioned by the German media and the old -timers of Germany with laughter.
Profession between words and power: the role of translators in international negotiations
To be serious, international negotiations are always a difficult game of diplomacy, interests and contexts. Translation in international policy is a separate professional specialization that requires long-term training, including philological, political, cultural and psychological.
A political translator must not only perfectly speak languages, but also to feel the style, level of tension, diplomatic weight of each expression. He must understand hierarchy, protocols, customs, and be able to convey not only the actual but also the emotional component of what he said.
That is, the translation of Shakespeare’s play for theater is art and poetry. But translating negotiations between heads of state is already a policy. There are completely different risks and huge responsibility.
The role of the translator in the negotiations is not limited to the literal translation of words. Often he “extinguishes” potentially dangerous or too emotional statements, replacing them with softer formulations. This is not due to incompetence, but with full awareness: diplomatic tone is part of the international tools of international policy.
For example, if the leader of one country is sharply expressing a partner, the translator can consciously and wisely use more streamlined formulations to preserve the atmosphere of dialogue and construct. This is the art of diplomatic translation – where the main goal is not just to say, but to preserve the communication channel.
In addition, translators actually shape the rhythm of negotiations. During the consistent translation (which is the most common form in the highest level, they provide natural pauses, during which the politician can think, clarify the position, respond to the partner’s reaction. Often, these few seconds become decisive – they have the right compromise formula or escalation is avoided.
A separate, less public, but extremely important aspect is the role of translators as potential sources of information for special services. Historically, in many countries, including the US, Russia, France, Israel, translators working with the first persons of the state, or are affiliated with intelligence, or undergo a special check.
Often, these people have a state secret. After all, they are the first to hear not only official but also behind -the -scenes statements. Their presence makes it possible to quickly transmit information to analytical centers, as well as monitor the change in intonations, logic, unofficial signals from partners. In conditions where war or peace may depend on the nuances of formulations, such information is of absolutely strategic importance.
The role of the translator also often goes beyond the purely linguistic function. In many cases, he becomes a communication bridge, a trusted person who understands not only the language, but also the context, the political landscape, the personality of the speak. That is why experienced leaders choose proven translators and do not like to change them without need. It is not just a technical employee – it is a person on whom it depends on how you will hear you. This is very important in international politics.
Therefore, summarizing: every state that cares for its foreign policy should not only prepare translators, but invest in the formation of a whole school of diplomatic translation – with impeccable knowledge of languages, politics, history, security. Otherwise, the best messages may not be heard, or – worse – heard incorrectly.
This is a fundamental moment: even if you know the language well, you should not rely solely on your knowledge. It is better to trust this really a specialist. And if you know the language of the interlocutor mediocre, it is especially necessary to give part of the negotiation process “on the outsour” to the translator.
There is no shame or shame in this: it is a normal working diplomatic process. It is great if the leaders of the state know foreign languages and practice them in live communication. You can only congratulate such intellectual initiatives of the country’s leaders. But when it comes to fundamental moments of cooperation between states, it is more appropriate to entrust it with profile specialists.