Adolfo Gentile (translator, interpreter, educator)

TL;DR

Adul J, a retired translator and interpreter, discusses his current activities including a PhD, consultancy work, translation jobs, and training consultancies in Melbourne. He also reflects on his previous role at the refugee review tribunal.

Transcript

we're in Melbourne with adul J adul welcome thank you uh tell us briefly what do you do these days what do I do well technically speaking I'm I'm retired but that's nothing could be further from the truth than that I'm I'm first of all doing a PhD after so many years because of what happened beforehand to me in my career and uh I'm also involved wi... Read More

Key Insights

• 🗾 Adul J remains active in the translation and interpreting fields despite being officially retired, showcasing his passion and dedication to the profession.
• 😀 The translation and interpreting profession in Australia has faced challenges in terms of recognition and understanding, with some universities viewing it as a less valuable field compared to other subjects.
• 🌏 The establishment of the national accreditation authority for translators and interpreters in Australia in 1977 has played a significant role in shaping the profession.
• 👨‍🔬 There is a need for further research in interpreting and translation practices, particularly in understanding the cognitive and social aspects of the profession.
• 😀 Adul J's experience as a member of the refugee review tribunal provided him with valuable insights into the challenges faced by interpreters and translators in sensitive cases.
• 🌏 Australia's unique migration history and multicultural environment have shaped the development of translation and interpreting practices in the country.
• 🪡 The profession of translation and interpreting is still not fully understood by the general public and there is a need for better communication and education about its value and importance.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the various activities Adul J is currently involved in?

Adul J is currently pursuing a PhD, working as a consultant for the national translation system in Australia, serving on editorial boards, and engaging in translation jobs and training consultancies.

Q: What was Adul J's previous role before retiring?

Adul J served as a member of the refugee review tribunal, which dealt with appeals from asylum seekers who were denied refugee status in Australia.

Q: Why did Adul J leave his previous role at the refugee review tribunal?

Adul J resigned from his role at the tribunal due to disagreements with how the courses for translators and interpreters were being handled by the university dean. He felt that his expertise was undervalued and that translation was not given the recognition it deserved.

Q: What challenges did Adul J face in the translation and interpreting field?

Adul J faced challenges such as a lack of understanding and appreciation for the profession, struggles with training and competency issues, and the need to address misconceptions about translation and interpreting.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Adul J is currently retired but remains active in translation and interpreting fields through various activities including a PhD, consultancy work, translation jobs, and training consultancies.

• He previously served as a member of the refugee review tribunal, an appeal tribunal for asylum seekers who were refused refugee status.

• Adul J discusses the challenges faced by translators and interpreters, the lack of understanding about their profession, and the need for further research in interpreting and translation practices.