Effective Intercultural Communication of Translators

Translators in Cross-Cultural Communication

Problems of intercultural communication

Today’s globalization of world and business opens up entirely new opportunities for Kazakhstani professionals and translators. At the same time, this presents new challenges in intercultural communication.

Themain barrier in cross-cultural communication of translators is cultural differences. Each country has its own socio-cultural rules, traditions and protocols. Each nation has its ideas about Religion and values; Concepts of time and personal space; Body language; Social behaviour and norms in private life and in professional sphere. What is appropriate and polite in one culture may be totally inappropriate or even offensive in another.

Differences in culture are the reason that people experience culture shock. Culture shock is the physical and emotional discomfort one suffers when coming to live or work in another country or company. The food, style of dress, and other aspects of life in a new country are so different that people have a hard time adjusting to this new way of life.

Translators are active participants of cross-cultural communication; they are mediators (intermediaries) between nations and cultures. Translators help bring about communication between the members of different linguistic and cultural communities. Their aim isto promote understanding among different countries and nations, hence to improve communication across cultures.

A major challenge for translators is how to translate sufficiently in international situations. To communicate professionally, translators must be familiar with both cultures, the source and target culture. They should transfer the cultural message of the source language to the target readers or listeners, both faithfully and validly. In this case business communication of a translator with foreign people won’t create any problems and pauses at oral translation or language and meaning inaccuracy at written translation. Your translation will get more fidelity and validity, and you will become more successful in the global business environment and in the professional field of translation.

Success or effectiveness in professional communication depends on the intercultural competence of translator. Intercultural communication competence comprises two important components:

1) Intercultural awareness. This is knowledge and understanding the uniqueness of cultures around the world; readiness to understand and appreciate cultural differences in intercultural communication.

2) Intercultural skills. They are the skills of proper etiquette, manners, and intercultural communication.

There are two main ways for translators to improve their intercultural competence:

The first is to learn as much as possible – the language, idioms, cultural background and history, geography, political and economic conditions, religion and specific customs, public holidays, social rules of the specific culture, first of all of the English-speaking countries – the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada; then of other nations operating in Kazakhstan – Japan, China, Korea, Turkey, and others.

Knowledge is the key to effective cross-cultural communication of translators. It is essential that translators research the cultures and communication conventions of those whom they propose to meet and for whom to translate. These will minimize the risk of making the elementary mistakes.

The other is to develop general intercultural skills that will help to adapt in any culture and allow more faithful translation. Among these skills are the following:

1. Sending clear messages. Make your verbal and non-verbal messages consistent and appropriate.

2. Increasing your cultural sensitivity. Learn about variations in customs and practices.

3. Showing respect. Learn the ways in which respect is communicated­ through gestures, eye contact, and so on – in various cultures.

4. Being flexible. Be prepared to change your habits, preferences, and attitudes.

5. Emphasizing common ground. Look for similarities to work from.

6. Avoiding stereotypes and over-generalization.

7. Active listening. Listen carefully and, if in doubt, ask for confirmation of understanding.

Дата добавления: 2014-11-20