Traslator for a day

[InnocentVixen]

I got a temporary job in a hotel in Punta Mita, it was very interesting, my job consisted on making guests happy basically, tending to special request for couples in their honeymoon or anniversary and giving information... anyways, there was this lovely couple that asked for my help.

The man asks me to be discrete and proceeds to explain their situation, he is from Europe, she is Mexican, they are in love but his spanish is at a very basic level and her english is almost none existant and of course she does not speak his native language either, they've been together in the hotel for 5 days and they are starting to have problems and getting frustrated so they want to clear up some important issues using me as a translator.

It was amazing to see how little they knew of each other (they met at a party, no dating sites, no emails, no translators, just... I don't know, sign language?) now I have to admit the chemistry was there, but even after one hour of taking turns between translating word by word and explaining, long story short: he said much... she asked a bit...

I understand she might have felt shy because her love was basically opening his heart to me just so I could "filter" it and deliver it to her, but it made me think of how hard he was trying and how much he cared for her, on the other hand, she would talk to me like I was some couple counselor and exclude him from the conversation even, her priority was not to communicate with him, but to feel better.

Most of the missunderstandings was because they would try to guess what the other person was saying or asking, the language barrier is too strong for them, but one thing I did notice is that they were underestimating the cultural differences, so even with a translator things would not be clear unless I explained... and I don't know the culture of his country so when I was trying to explain him he would sometimes ask things like "what do you mean by family here in Mexico?" something as important as that had not been cleared up, when he just explained his situation he made a comment on how similar and compatible mexican culture is with his, that his friend is the happiest man on this planet with his mexican wife... but  is not enough to speak and understand the language and culture, they were forgetting about the importance of understanding the person as a whole, the personality, well you get the idea.

So of course I thought of the gentlemen here that use translators sometimes! but I know in your case is different because you get information about the ladies first or even chat online, have this forum where you can ask experienced men about culture and such, but men that don't have that are pretty much "fresh meat" if they are in an environment with scammers like in dating sites (just an example)

Oops got a little side tracked I think, don't even remember if there was a point to start with, sorry! just wanted to share this experience, makes me want to move to Colombia and become a translator for an agency, I think it's a beautiful job 

[Shadow_mas]

The part of the job you experienced is probably one of the better ones. You met a couple that had chemistry and was trying to understand each other. But as translator you will also meet the bad examples. Clueless guys who are in love with ruthless women, or the opposite.
Any honest opinion of you might then cost the agency a client, and money.

The job can there for be frustrating as much as rewarding.

[Bob_S]

I got a temporary job in a hotel in Punta Mita, it was very interesting, my job consisted on making guests happy basically, tending to special request for couples in their honeymoon or anniversary and giving information...

Ah!  A concierge.  Yeah, I can see how that would be an interesting job.  Every day is a new task to challenge your creativity in porblem-solving.

... how hard he was trying and how much he cared for her, on the other hand, she would talk to me like I was some couple counselor and exclude him from the conversation even, her priority was not to communicate with him, but to feel better.

Hmmm.  Typical male/female communication differences. Compounded by cultural differences.

they were underestimating the cultural differences...he made a comment on how similar and compatible mexican culture is with his, that his friend is the happiest man on this planet with his mexican wife... but  is not enough to speak and understand the language and culture, they were forgetting about the importance of understanding the person as a whole, the personality, well you get the idea.

Oh yes, very much so.  It may not be that the cultures are so much compatible but rather the individuals were compatible.

Oops got a little side tracked I think, don't even remember if there was a point to start with, sorry! just wanted to share this experience, makes me want to move to Colombia and become a translator for an agency, I think it's a beautiful job 

Thank you for sharing.  It should be an important object lesson for couples considering a cross-cultural relationship.  If you stay at this job, I'm sure such situations will crop up often.  Don't be surprised if your employer makes you the go-to person for all these romance troubles that come up.

[Researcher]

     Great post IV! Its good to hear about this from the another perspective. You would make a great translator. I have ran across many but never needed one.I remember one translator that was a guy. He and his girlfriend scammed a gringo by telling him that the translator was her cousin.The gringo ended up marrying the girl and getting her an apartment.The tranlator/cousin/boyfriend was living there while the husband was out of town.Just goes to show what you can run up against if not careful.

  Researcher

[utopiacowboy]

I learned Spanish communicating with my wife through email and online chatting. We very rarely spoke on the phone and then it was always very difficult because my speaking and listening skills were very poor. When I first met her in person, we used to take a dictionary with us wherever we went and referred to it often. If we were ever in a real bind she would write out what she was saying and I would read it. With time, we stopped the notes and ceased using the dictionary. In spite of this we rarely had a misunderstanding because we would always take the time to be sure that we were on the same page. Quite often when people share a common language they assume that they know what the other person is saying and frequently don't listen carefully to what the other person is saying. Not sharing a common language we could not afford to make that mistake.

[KingDphax]

Hello Innoc. Vix:

Loooooong message....but I made it through!

Yes. The job of the translator is a great one! I have a friend in Cartagena who
helps me with my Spanish and translation. He works for HIMSELF and not an
agency (in case you don't want to lose the agency money).

This job will be great if you just TRANSLATE (leave out feelings & OPINIONS).
Just translate!

-King Dphax
"Survival Guide for Single Men"

[singlefather no more]

Hello Innoc. Vix:

Loooooong message....but I made it through!

Yes. The job of the translator is a great one! I have a friend in Cartagena who
helps me with my Spanish and translation. He works for HIMSELF and not an
agency (in case you don't want to lose the agency money).


This job will be great if you just TRANSLATE (leave out feelings & OPINIONS).
Just translate!

-King Dphax
"Survival Guide for Single Men"

KD,

You have no idea what you are talking about and are out to lunch completely. If you don't know what you are talking about then you should think before you write and give an opinion.

One of the most important things for a translator to do is to give his/her opinions and feelings to a client.

example translator giving her opinion to a client :

"The girl answered her cell phone and is talking to her boyfriend".

"I don't think this girl is sincere and just wants to party".

" I feel that she is very sincere and is nervous right now".

" I think she is a prepago "

.

[dennislevy]

Youre not realistic.

Most agencies, and certainly in Colombia require female translators for obvios reasons, its less intimidating for the women clients

Currently there isnt enough businesses in the agencies for an independent translator Trust me, as a man who has worked in an agency in Bogota and tranlate din a pinch, its not a job you want. .

it doesnt pay that much, maybe 10,000 pesos for an hour if you can actually get the guy to fork over.

Many gringos are completley unrealsitic especially their first time in Colombia, they dont understand the gulf, no make that chasm between them and a woman if there is no understanding of a common language or culture. So they will probably not want to pay for translation.

An agency owner in Colombia wants a 2 fer, a bilingual peson who can translate if necessary, but will do a lot more, maintain the database, stroke the girls, make appointments. And they will pay a slittle as possible!

Dennis

[Shadow_mas]

This job will be great if you just TRANSLATE (leave out feelings & OPINIONS).
Just translate!

King is right for once. But exactly that is going to be the frustrating part.
The job is to translate and not throw in any personal (or non-personal) opinions and feelings. However 90% of the clients will expect exactly that from you. The women will expect you to act as their 'friend' and defend their ideas. The men will look to you to confirm whatever is in their mind. If you just translate without getting in to that things, you will be seen as a cold and hard person. If you discuss things an give opinions you might be seen as 'taking sides'.
To balance in between that is something that you can only accomplish with a lot of empathy, tact and in some cases ruthlessness.

[whitey]

I learned Spanish communicating with my wife through email and online chatting. We very rarely spoke on the phone and then it was always very difficult because my speaking and listening skills were very poor. When I first met her in person, we used to take a dictionary with us wherever we went and referred to it often. If we were ever in a real bind she would write out what she was saying and I would read it. With time, we stopped the notes and ceased using the dictionary. In spite of this we rarely had a misunderstanding because we would always take the time to be sure that we were on the same page. Quite often when people share a common language they assume that they know what the other person is saying and frequently don't listen carefully to what the other person is saying. Not sharing a common language we could not afford to make that mistake.

Hey UC ... did we get separated at birth?   I could have written this post, except we're still novios. 

One thing I told my novia very early on was that because of our cultural and language "challenges", there will inevitably be misunderstandings.  If I ever say or do something that surprises or annoys you, assume first that my intentions are good and ask me to explain before you get angry.  And I promised to do the same for her.  So far after 6 months we've had no problems, which amazes me.  But we're both very patient people.

Whitey

[utopiacowboy]

Hey UC ... did we get separated at birth?   I could have written this post, except we're still novios. 

One thing I told my novia very early on was that because of our cultural and language "challenges", there will inevitably be misunderstandings.  If I ever say or do something that surprises or annoys you, assume first that my intentions are good and ask me to explain before you get angry.  And I promised to do the same for her.  So far after 6 months we've had no problems, which amazes me.  But we're both very patient people.

Whitey

That is excellent advice! You're right, there are misunderstandings at times. I almost think that communication is better between us because of the language issue instead of in spite of it. And yes, it helps to be patient.

[Jeff S]

I've posted this before and still think it's valid. Since my wife and I were poor at each other's languages at first, it was actually a benefit, as it defused some stressful situations. Arguing with dictionaries slows things down and makes you think things through before you say something you may regret later.

[Maria]

Hey IV, great story.

I would like to say that as translator one can not just sit there and translate and pretend to avoid getting involved. As a third party that becomes part of the conversation practically one needs to have some type involvement, concern or feelings towards what is being said.

Now what you can not do is bring into the conversation personal feelings, emotions, believes that can jeopardize the integrity of the people involved or the course of the relationship. Unless the translator realizes that something is not right from experience, knowledge of the culture or simply sees something out of place. I am sure the best thing to do is to inform the man or the woman of what is going on.
 
FL

[InnocentVixen]

Very interesting replies, makes me think that working for an agency might actually be easier because you can actually take sides to some degree (the customer side) too bad we don't have any agencies in Mexico!

I guess I was a concierge, I just didn't use that word because I did not had to deal with all the guests, just the couples in the VIP area so it was a pretty easy, it wasn't that good as a permanent job though, so I wouldn't want to stay there for too long...

All my respect for those patient gentleman like utopiacowboy and whitey, even if the lady speaks good english I think learning your love's language is a way of showing how much you care for her.

[KingDphax]

Hello Single Father:

I won't waste too much of my valuable time responding to you. All I have to say to you is that I guess too many of your "opinions" is probably why you WERE (and proboably still ARE) a single father!

-King Dphax

[singlefather no more]

Hello Single Father:

I won't waste too much of my valuable time responding to you. All I have to say to you is that I guess too many of your "opinions" is probably why you WERE (and proboably still ARE) a single father!

-King Dphax

KD,

I was a singlefather because my late wife died and not be cause of my opinions Sir king malo. What has the death of my late wife have to do with my opinions. I am very happily remarried to my wonderful and beautiful Peruana.

Why don't you respond to my post above ? Is it because you can't respond to logic ?

P.S. A writer should check for spelling mistakes.  Check and see if you can find yours ?" (and proboably still ARE) " .

Since you said in your other post (posted below )that you can't learn anything from us and this website. I ask why are you here since you are the King and know everything ?

I said "if any" because I am not sure just how many people on this discussion website have actually traveled or are traveling. I think I read the first sentence of a few of the replies and did not read any further because they appeared to be negative and criticized MY "Red Flags." Again gentlemen (and ladies), I am trying to LEARN something from YOU (if you have something to share). Please share YOU "Red Flags." If you have none, there are plenty of other discussions that you can participate in. Please forget about my book. If I was doing "research" for another book, I am definitely not learning much on this site.

Again fellas (and ladies), Please share YOUR "Red Flags!"

-King Dphax
"Survival Guide for Single Men"

singlefather no more

.

[jm21-2]

This KD guy cracks me up...here we have CEOs, engineers, lawyers, etc., who have married foreign brides taking time from their busy day to give people advice, but the almighty author of some unknown book who appears to be a total newbie is all high and mighty despite his obvious lack of knowledge. Talk about unfounded ego.

[Researcher]

This KD guy cracks me up...here we have CEOs, engineers, lawyers, etc., who have married foreign brides taking time from their busy day to give people advice, but the almighty author of some unknown book who appears to be a total newbie is all high and mighty despite his obvious lack of knowledge. Talk about unfounded ego.

      I agree JM,  his majesty is one phunny phellow. I think it may be PhatherTime having some phun with us here on the phorum.

[Dan Las Vegas]

KingDphax,

I haven't seen any trip reports from you detailling your experiences. Single father no more has shared an incredible amount of information regarding his life, kids and the search for the woman with whom he married and has been a fantastic contributor to this board.   What have you contributed other than antagonizing people?

[singlefather no more]

      I agree JM,  his majesty is one phunny phellow. I think it may be PhatherTime having some phun with us here on the phorum.

Researcher,

It is not fathertime who is a friend of mine. FT does not post here anymore.

Researcher here is a sweet picture of King D that Dave H found.

KING DPHAX, Author, Investor, City Employee, City of Philadelphia

.

[Researcher]

          Thanks SingleFather no mas, Just goes to show that truth is stranger than phiction. You've got to admit that quoting Oprah and calling himself "King" is pretty funny.


    Researcher

[raycjs]

Jim21-2 you are 100% correct on the type of people you have on this board.

KD you need to have your head examined to have the nerve to attach SF
if you would have spent any time on this board doing any type of research that a true author would have done you would have found that SF is single not because of his mistakes but because God made a Decision to take his wife and his children's mother from a wonderful family. ( he is no longer single and his children have a great new mother) I have to say you are the Biggest ASS i have ever met and i feel sorry for anyone that takes your advice on any subject. At this point i would move on with your life and go find another site to spu your BULL SH_T. I would also say think twice the next time you attach someones family with out knowing the facts.

Good Luck with your life and i hope you will grow up some day and realize what a fool you have made of yourself on this board. We are hear to help each other any way we can and time to time people do not see eye to eye and that is fine that is life but no one on this board will ever attach someone family...


Ray

[Bob_S]

I won't waste too much of my valuable time responding to you. All I have to say to you is that I guess too many of your "opinions" is probably why you WERE (and proboably still ARE) a single father! -King Dphax

[InnocentVixen]

bravo raycjs!!! too bad that guy doesn't know how to read, so I'm afraid that good post will go to waste... 

[texassingledad]

Jim21-2 you are 100% correct on the type of people you have on this board.

KD you need to have your head examined to have the nerve to attach SF
if you would have spent any time on this board doing any type of research that a true author would have done you would have found that SF is single not because of his mistakes but because God made a Decision to take his wife and his children's mother from a wonderful family. ( he is no longer single and his children have a great new mother) I have to say you are the Biggest ASS i have ever met and i feel sorry for anyone that takes your advice on any subject. At this point i would move on with your life and go find another site to spu your BULL SH_T. I would also say think twice the next time you attach someones family with out knowing the facts.

Good Luck with your life and i hope you will grow up some day and realize what a fool you have made of yourself on this board. We are hear to help each other any way we can and time to time people do not see eye to eye and that is fine that is life but no one on this board will ever attach someone family...


Ray

AMEN to that brother- Problem is that the "educated king" probably quit reading at examined.