English to French translation

Interpreting during dinner

September 12, 2006

I’m interpreting during a dinner tomorrow and had to choose what I wanted from the menu: I chose Wild Mushroom Risotto, Globe Artichokes Barigoule and Chocolate Marquise & Pistachio Ice Cream, when really, what I wanted was a selection of Antipasto, Roasted Rump of Lamb and Selection of Cheeses.

Why? Because in my experience, it’s best to pick foods that don’t require too much chewing during these kinds of dinners. Needless to say, I didn’t look at the wine list.

Comments

Well thought out. Bon appétit!

When actors have to eat dinner on stage, they are often given mashed potato as it's not too difficult to talk with a mouthful of this.

I was once interpreting in a focus group, where the client was running behind time. Instead of stopping for a ten-minute break for lunch, they decided to continue to listen to me, while munching on a plate of sandwiches. It just never occurred to them that 1) I might need a break and a bite to eat myself, or 2) I might find it difficult to interpret through a mouthful of buttery jambon baguette...! Humph!

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