[JIF2015] Simultaneous Interpreter AMA: Welcome to the Trenches
Simultaneous Interpreter AMA: Welcome to the Trenches
In addition to an agency AMA, we have an AMA from deep in the trenches as well, because it is always good to have both sides of the story. Panelists of this session—simultaneous interpreters—will present their opinions from their perspective on a wide variety of issues including recruiting and remuneration (wait, déjà vu?). They will also answer any and all questions from the audience to the best of their abilities. In true AMA fashion, this is a no-holds-barred session!
*AMA: Ask me anything
Kazumi Iwase
Kazumi Iwase is a freelance conference interpreter and bilingual MC since 1998. Prior to her current career, she was an in-house interpreter for 8 years and a patent translator for 2 years. Being in the language service industry for more than 25 years, Kazumi has quite a diverse experience and is able to serve almost all of the market where interpreters are in need. Her experience includes Japan-NZ summit meetings, stadium MC for international football games, TV shows, in addition to various international conferences and day-to-day business meetings. She also writes essays about English education for children for several web magazines.
Atsuko Hirayama
Conference interpreter well-versed in military affairs, law, information technology, and automotives, Atsuko Hirayama has interpreted for global leaders and thinkers including former President George H. W. Bush, Michael Porter (economist), Marshall Goldsmith (leading authority in executive coaching), Haruomi Hosono (musician), and Amory Lovins (physicist and environmental scientist, author of Reinventing Fire). Hirayama first witnessed the work of a professional interpreter as a student, which crushed her confidence into bits, but nevertheless she continued to pursue her dream of one day becoming a professional herself. Hirayama’s street smarts enable her to work with anybody. In a business where many veterans frown on the use of gadgets by interpreters, Hirayama is a rare breed. Her creed: “Give the warriors the best weapons available, because every day they face a battle they can’t afford to lose.”