I recently posted on how the US government is addressing a shortage of translators and interpreters in its efforts in the Middle East, most notably Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Today, Joshua Foust in the New York Times gives us a glimpse into the reality of how interpreters work with the military in these countries. The stories are raw and even this small sampling shows the vast difference between acting as an interpreter at a conference and living as an interpreter on a military mission in Afghanistan. It’s a great read.
I would also like to take this time to lament the loss of Sultan Munadi, an interpreter who was killed when British forces were working to save New York Times reporter Stephen Farrell.
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Tags: Afghanistan, Arabic, new york times, pashai, translators and interpreters, United States
I just happen to know personally the brother of the Afghan interpreter that was killed a couple of years ago.The Italian reporter that he was working with was saved by the Italian Government (by paying a ransom to the taleban kidnappers I presume), while the interpreter was left in their hands. To wash away the guilt (image), the Italian Government offered a scholarship to the interpreter’s little brother.
P.R. -
Thank you a million times over for sharing that aspect of the story. It is astounding to me that this situation has been turned into a PR strategy for a government who is under fire. Unfortunately, there is no organization or international group for us to turn to for greater change in the treatment of translators internationally.
Please let your friend know that there are thousands of people around the world in this field who are extremely saddened by his brother’s death. All the best to him and you.
Scott