Using the formal 'you' while interpreting
Penyiaran jaluran : Sara Senft
Sara Senft
Sara Senft  Identity Verified
Amerika Syarikat
Local time: 03:41
Bahasa Sepanyol hingga Bahasa Inggeris
+ ...
Nov 14, 2008

When I interpret, I use the formal case of 'you.' I'm better off using this case, right?

Personally, I don't like using 'tu' (you, informal in Spanish) when interpreting. That seems too much like devaluing or disrespect.


 
Heidi C
Heidi C  Identity Verified
Local time: 03:41
Bahasa Inggeris hingga Bahasa Sepanyol
+ ...
Usted Nov 14, 2008

You should always use "usted", unless asked to use "tú".

And usually, they will address you in the formal, as "usted", so it would be awful to use the informal form while you are being adressed formally...

You are in a formal situation and should use formal address...


 
thescarid
thescarid
Local time: 09:41
Bahasa Perancis hingga Bahasa Inggeris
+ ...
But be sure of the audience Nov 14, 2008

When you are translating you should also be aware of the relationships of the persons you are translating for. It is true you are in a professional situation, but it is worth considering the position of those for whom you are interpreting. Cheers

 
Wil Hardman (X)
Wil Hardman (X)  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 08:41
Bahasa Sepanyol hingga Bahasa Inggeris
+ ...
I was taught to use usted. Nov 14, 2008

When I did a business interpreting course during my diploma they always taught me to use the formal- but when learning to speak Spanish beforehand I had always used the informal. This caused me a lot of problems - I was always switching back to informal without realising it. I worked on this and when it came to exam I was going really well until, right at the end, I slipped up and used 'tu'! They marked me down really severly for it giving me just 50% (the lowest pass grade), which I thought was... See more
When I did a business interpreting course during my diploma they always taught me to use the formal- but when learning to speak Spanish beforehand I had always used the informal. This caused me a lot of problems - I was always switching back to informal without realising it. I worked on this and when it came to exam I was going really well until, right at the end, I slipped up and used 'tu'! They marked me down really severly for it giving me just 50% (the lowest pass grade), which I thought was unfair because IMO the ability to communicate is the most important thing. However, my teachers attached a lot of importance to it.Collapse


 
Sara Senft
Sara Senft  Identity Verified
Amerika Syarikat
Local time: 03:41
Bahasa Sepanyol hingga Bahasa Inggeris
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
I thought so Nov 14, 2008

That's what I thought. Thank you for the confirmation.


Heidi C wrote:

You should always use "usted", unless asked to use "tú".

And usually, they will address you in the formal, as "usted", so it would be awful to use the informal form while you are being adressed formally...

You are in a formal situation and should use formal address...


 
Javier Wasserzug
Javier Wasserzug  Identity Verified
Amerika Syarikat
Local time: 00:41
Bahasa Inggeris hingga Bahasa Sepanyol
+ ...
many situations Nov 14, 2008

Just to add a little colour to the topic:

In Argentina, some people could get offended if you use “USTED”.

Mostly with women, they could consider you are treating them as old since in Argentina, “usted” is only used in extremely formal cases (a judge, the president) or, with older people.


 
wonita (X)
wonita (X)
China
Local time: 03:41
Usted puede Nov 14, 2008

siempre "say you to me".

 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:


You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Using the formal 'you' while interpreting







TM-Town
Manage your TMs and Terms ... and boost your translation business

Are you ready for something fresh in the industry? TM-Town is a unique new site for you -- the freelance translator -- to store, manage and share translation memories (TMs) and glossaries...and potentially meet new clients on the basis of your prior work.

More info »
Trados Studio 2022 Freelance
The leading translation software used by over 270,000 translators.

Designed with your feedback in mind, Trados Studio 2022 delivers an unrivalled, powerful desktop and cloud solution, empowering you to work in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

More info »