Deniz Atalar is a valued member of our freelance linguist network and an accomplished interpreter with more than five years of experience. In this interview, she offers advice for aspiring linguists, reflects on the realities of the profession, and sheds light on some of the key challenges interpreters encounter.
How long have you worked as an interpreter?
I studied both Translation and Interpretation, and for the past five years I have been working as an interpreter. Initially, I wanted to explore both career paths, but after taking the consecutive interpreting course, I realised that my heart lies in interpretation. I felt invigorated and energised, rather than exhausted after each class. That certainly felt like a sign, so I decided to become a professional interpreter.
Which languages do you interpret for?
My primary working languages are Turkish and English, specifically Turkish from Turkey. Over time and through hands-on experience, I have also become comfortable interpreting various dialects, such as Bulgarian Turkish dialect. This has been especially valuable in community interpreting settings, where clients often come from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds and may not use standardised forms of the language. To sustain accuracy and fluency in my working languages, I actively build a glossary of terminology that develops with each assignment.
Can you describe an experience in your career where you found your work particularly rewarding or fulfilling?
Medical interpretation is the most fulfilling area of my work, due to my personal interest in the field and its impact. Clear communication in medical settings may directly affect diagnosis, informed consent, treatment, and patient wellbeing. Being a part of this process is very meaningful to me. The moments that stand out to me the most are when I interpret for patients who have been very unwell, but have never been able to easily and comfortably communicate with a healthcare professional. Without professional interpretation, such clarity and confidentiality simply would not be possible. I find those moments deeply rewarding, especially when I hear patients’ appreciation for the interpretation and when they say that they felt heard and understood.
What is the best thing about being an interpreter?
One of the best things about being an interpreter is the fast-paced nature of the work and the mental agility it requires. Each assignment is unique and challenging. I also love not having to work in a single office. One day I may be interpreting in a hospital setting, and the next I could be supporting clients at an international business conference. Each task brings a new environment, new people, and new subjects to learn about, and this makes our profession intellectually stimulating. Beyond the variety, what truly motivates me is the impact. Through my services, people can address critical areas of their lives, which is why I start every new day with energy and purpose.
What has your experience been like working with thebigword?
Working with thebigword has been incredibly formative. Through collaboration with clients across various sectors, I have handled a wide range of interpreting assignments and gained valuable experience. Each assignment has enhanced my skills, broadened my knowledge, and improved my adaptability.
What do you think about thebigword’s interpreting platform, WordSynk?
I think the WordSynk platform is easy to use and practical. When I do over-the-phone interpreting, features like the ‘Join’ button make my sessions run more smoothly. This feature has allowed me to re-join calls that would have otherwise been disconnected. It saves time and gives clients peace of mind because they can continue with the same interpreter without having to repeat themselves. It’s a simple feature that really improves the client experience.
What personal qualities do you think make someone a great interpreter?
Curiosity and a passion for continuous learning are essential qualities of a great interpreter. Staying current with terminology and having a good understanding of what you are going to interpret ensures that every assignment is handled with accuracy and confidence. I also value a strong memory. During challenging consecutive interpreting tasks, I rely on my memory and structured note-taking to deliver with clarity and precision. I sharpen these skills by experimenting with new note-taking strategies and expanding my knowledge through reading and research.
What advice would you give to someone who is new to interpreting?
For new interpreters, it is important to know that people may have misconceptions about interpreting because they are not familiar with it or have never needed an interpreter before. As their professional interpreter, you must inform both parties of your role. In some settings, you may have to remind them that everything they say must be interpreted, and that they are not talking to you but to each other, so you will interpret each of their messages using ‘I’ instead of ‘he/she said’.
To have confidence going into an interpreting assignment, new interpreters can benefit from knowing what they are there to do and what they are not. As interpreters, we often find ourselves in situations where more is expected or asked of us than we can or should provide. This may occur when LEP clients ask us questions instead of directing them to the appropriate professional, sometimes unaware that we are not qualified to answer and that it is not within our role to do so. It is essential that we understand our professional boundaries in these situations so that we can appropriately redirect them.
Are there any ethical challenges you face in your role, and how do you handle them?
Ethical challenges can sometimes unfold in interpreting; for example, I experienced one when I was asked to interpret for multiple people regarding the same incident. Even though I knew what the first party disclosed about the situation, I knew that I was about to approach the next interactions with impartiality. Because my task is not to evaluate credibility or judge, but to ensure each person’s statements are relayed accurately.
My understanding of the guiding principles I follow comes from formal training and a thorough understanding of the Interpreter Code of Conduct. A skilled interpreter should know how to handle complex ethical dilemmas and make decisions to resolve them in real time. Referring to this knowledge maintains professionalism in every assignment.
Can you provide any insight on challenges interpreters face in the current climate?
In the current climate, we can’t underestimate AI and how quickly it’s improving. It is already affecting demand and rates and may influence the future of interpreting careers. Human interpretation possesses qualities that AI cannot yet replicate, such as understanding cultural nuances and contextual meaning. These qualities are very valuable, especially in high-stakes settings. It may be best if the industry adapts by making AI accessible and usable for interpreters. However, we must remember that AI should not replace interpreters. AI-powered tools should be used to enhance and support human interpretation. This would improve efficiency while preserving the skills only humans provide.
What’s the most unusual place your job has taken you?
The most unusual place my job has taken me was a paint manufacturer’s testing site. I was working with a newly founded paint company, and my previous assignments with them had been ordinary business meetings in conference rooms or on conference calls. This time, I was on-site as the company’s interpreter. I witnessed the paint testing and helped my clients communicate their preferences and adjustment requests to the manufacturers. These types of assignments give us the opportunity to improve our problem-solving skills in completely new settings, and they are always very enjoyable.
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