interpreting
A good Japanese interpreter, in my opinioner, (from English to Japanese and vice versa) needs the following four qualifications.
Native-level English proficiency
I have lived in London since 1988. During that time I have obtained a B.Sc.
Hons (Social Science) and a Diploma in English from the Open University.
My wife is British.
Understanding both the Japanese and the English culture
Generally Japanese businesspeople do not express
their thoughts as straightforwardly as Westerners do,
which sometimes causes both cultural and linguistic problems.
Even if Japanese people are speaking in English they often maintain Japanese thoughts.
My experience in teaching English to Japanese businessmen and Japanese
to British business people in Japan has enabled me
to understand both perspectives and therefore makes
it easier for me to act as an intermediary
which hopefully therefore eases the business discussions.
Sufficient politeness to make your clients feel that they are respected
Politeness is very important.
This has to be reflected in the proper usage of
the comprehensive Japanese super-polite forms
so that Japanese business people can feel a rapport
with you through me. My extensive knowledge of advanced business Japanese
as a teacher in London enables me to do this with ease.
Experience
I have so far covered a huge range of topics including automobile,
oil-additives, auditing, pharmaceutical, aviation, sexual harassment
and chemical/biological detectors as are listed
in my experience under Interpreting on my web site.
One of my clients said to me, after my assignment,
that he had thought it would probably take three days
to solve the problems instead of just several hours .
To achieve quality interpreting, reference materials
should be submitted to me as far in advance as possible.
This will enable me to carry out actual interpreting job
as effectively and flawlessly as possible.
Understanding both the Japanese and the English culture