Translation at the service of mankind

Source: Delingua

Being a translator or an interpreter means providing your services to other people and thus meeting their needs, but I think it is important for us to step back and try to see our lives in a less self-centered way. I have developed a deep longing to live a life that would not only satisfy my needs but also benefit others. How can I be more helpful to the world as a translator? I want to share with you a part of the answer.

Translators without Borders 

The non-profit organization called “Translators without Borders” was created in 1993 by Lori Thicke and Ros Smith-Thomas of Lexcelera and aims to close the language gaps that hinder humanitarian and international development efforts worldwide. Their motto is “Creating a world where knowledge knows no language barriers”. 

Source: Translators without Borders

To do so, the organization has set up a volunteer community of professional translators who provide services to humanitarian non-profit organizations in need of translated content. Over the last 25 years, they have provided translations to organizations such as Doctors without borders, Medecins du Monde, UNICEF, Oxfam, and Handicap International. The translators must have a working experience of at least two years and always translate into their mother tongue, because there is no possibility of proofreading. The organization most often asks for translators that are specialized in healthcare, law or logistics. 

The texts aren’t always easy to translate, as they can have a strong psychological impact. For example, translators must be prepared to translate texts about torture in Chechnya, armed conflicts in Sudan, or children living in the streets in Armenia. In return, being involved in concrete humanitarian projects is very rewarding. 

Thanks to this organization, NGOs don’t need to pay for translators, so they can use more money to meet some crucial needs in poor countries, such as vaccination campaigns. “Translators without Borders” has set the goal of translating 10,000 words each year, which would enable NGOs to save 2 million Euros. Some translation agencies don’t go that far but provide translations to humanitarian organizations at lower rates to show their support to their cause. 

Integrating refugees

Many countries are taking in refugees from countries at war and are therefore facing the great challenge of integrating refugees into society. This integration requires, of course, overcoming the language barriers, which are a real hindrance. The role of translators and interpreters in these situations is crucial. First of all, they can help authorities better understand what refugees need, but their presence also comforts the refugees –it is important for them to know that someone will understand them and be there to help. Some of the most required languages are Turkish, Arabic, Urdu, Greek, Albanian and Farsi. 

In 2017, an app called Tarjimly was launched in order to help refugees and immigrants find a volunteer translator, for example when they need to go to the doctor, speak to aid workers, legal representatives and other services in their new country. Once they have chosen their language, the app connects refugees with an appropriate translator. Another example is the Facebook group “Rapid Response Refugee Translators”, which employs volunteers to translate documents and conversations in real-time.

Humanitarian mediation

Translators/interpreters can also become humanitarian mediators. Indirect mediation corresponds to what “Translators without Borders” does, but direct mediation is completely different. In this case, translators/interpreters intervene abroad to meet the local populations and engage in dialogue to explain a project, a situation, or to find a solution to a problem. They must remain neutral while helping people better understand each other in order to reach peace. This is the case, for example, of a translator/interpreter who accompanies and assists a humanitarian mission in a crisis or conflict zone. 

Of course, not all people are drawn to this topic, and they don’t have to be. What truly matters is that people are aware of the possibilities there are to use their skills and talents to help people in need.

Gaëlle D.