Our network of over 15,000 freelance linguists is made up of language specialists from all over the world, each with their own unique experiences and stories to share. We’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Anna Fabres (MCIL), who is part of our interpreter network and a member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists. She is a highly skilled polyglot, with over 20 years of experience delivering Portuguese, French, Spanish and English interpretation. In this article, she gives insight into what it’s like to have a career as an interpreter, advice for future linguists and shares some of the challenges in the profession.
What is the best thing about being an interpreter?
For me, the best part of being an interpreter is getting to go to different places and not being stuck in an office.
What personal qualities do you think make someone a great interpreter?
To be a great interpreter, you need to be able to stay focused, have flexibility of mind, be cultured and be able to cope with extreme stress.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering being an interpreter?
Consider carefully the issues of career progression and skill transfer in this fast-changing environment we are in. The nature of the job means that career progression is limited, therefore developing skills in other fields is important. We cannot ignore that the progression of AI is already causing much change in the language field and what is expected of interpreters will change accordingly. I first qualified as a translator and that has already changed completely since machine translation tools were introduced. It did create a niche market though in Proof Reading. I see people using Google translate to interpret their conversations and many think the translation is correct, when it is not. We are in unprecedented times and language services are changing fast.
What challenges do interpreters face when supporting individuals in emotionally complex situations, and how can these impact their professional boundaries?
Interpreters often go beyond their capacity to assist people in distress. It is inevitable in cases that are very complex and sensitive. We need to be careful people don’t lean on us for support beyond interpretating, particularly for emotional support. It can be very draining when that happens because we are not trained to deal with emotional side of the people we interpret for, but their emotions still get processed by us through the language. I consider this a big issue for the profession. Working in public services is unique because interpreters often encounter highly stressed, anxious, or even depressed individuals. It’s crucial to develop ways to emotionally distance ourselves from their experiences, which is harder than most people realise.
What do you do to stay current with terminology, especially in specialised sectors?
Being on the job is the best way for me to stay up to date with terminology as it is forever changing, when working in specialised sectors the learning is continuous. As an Interpreter, I encounter a variety of industries. One day I could be working with an engineering Trade Delegation for the Foreign Office, the next for Huawei in a London studio to record an ad campaign.
What other things do you do to keep your skills up to date?
I regularly read research materials, books and articles in the four languages I speak. This helps me stay connected to the nuances and cultural context of each language. I’m also a member of two meetup groups, one for Spanish speakers and one for French. These groups are designed for fluent speakers, and we meet to socialise and practise the language in a relaxed, natural setting. It’s a great way to maintain fluency, pick up colloquial expressions, and stay engaged with the language communities.
What changes would you like to see in how legal professionals work with interpreters?
I’d love to see more training opportunities for lawyers on how to work effectively with interpreters. Many are so busy that they overlook the collaborative approach that used to be more common. For instance, when an interpreter is assigned to a defence team, they should be treated as a member of that team throughout the case. That level of inclusion used to be the norm, but unfortunately, it’s become less frequent over time.
Have you ever had a particularly positive or memorable experience working with legal professionals?
Just before the pandemic, I worked on a long trial with a criminal barrister who also taught law at Oxford University. From day one, he emphasised the importance of teamwork and made sure the interpreters felt included and valued. It was one of the most enjoyable and stress-free work experiences I’ve had. I genuinely felt supported and respected as an interpreter, and we won the case!
Are there any ethical challenges you face in your role, and how do you handle them?
One of the key ethical challenges I face as an interpreter in legal settings stems from the Interpreter’s Oath for the Courts, which requires us to “faithfully interpret and make true explanation of all such matters and things as shall be required of me according to the best of my skill and understanding.” This means our role goes beyond simply translating words, we have a duty to ensure clarity and accuracy. For example, if a word has no direct translation, we must explain its meaning. Similarly, if we notice errors in translated documents used as evidence, especially during cross-examination, it is our responsibility to point them out. However, this can sometimes lead to tension, as some legal professionals believe interpreters should only translate verbatim and not intervene. This misunderstanding can place interpreters in a difficult position, caught between professional expectations and ethical obligations. My advice to fellow interpreters is to always adhere to the Oath, as it not only upholds the integrity of the legal process but also protects them professionally.
What are some of the key challenges interpreters face today?
Some of the difficulties we face in our work is because most people are monolingual. Working with people who have no understanding of language learning is hard because they often don’t realise what the process involves or how complex it can be. Another challenge I have come across is in many legal cases, particularly traffic offences, defendants have no legal representation and that can be quite tricky for interpreters because they keep asking us questions and we are not legally qualified to say anything.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a long interpreting session?
When I’m not working, I unwind by doing photography, meditation, and spending time with family and friends. Before I began working with languages, I was an editorial photographer and later transitioned into fine art photography. I find the creative process deeply relaxing. It reconnects me with nature.
I also meditate before sleeping. It is like taking out the daily mental trash, clearing my mind so I can sleep with positive thoughts and wake up refreshed for a truly new day. Meditation has made a huge difference to my wellbeing.
Family time is essential to me. I really value time with loved ones both in the UK and abroad. Travelling to see them is very important, and I wish I could do it more often.
What’s the most unusual place your job has taken you?
One of the best places I have been sent to as an Interpreter has got to be AC Milan Football Club! The second one was the United Nations building in Geneva, just for its sheer size.
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