ABC News has reported that language interpreters assigned to work in Afghanistan are not always qualified for the job.

As Americans reflect upon the anniversary of September 11, it is also suitable to give a thought to the importance language now plays in protecting our national security.

A recent ABC news report, available both on video and as an article, questions the skills and qualifications of certain military interpreters deployed in Afghanistan. The report includes damning footage, filmed by a British journalist, of an interpreter reporting exactly the opposite of what an Afghan resident said – or wanted to say – to US soldiers.Any language interpreting error of this kind is serious enough, but in this case the question dealt with an extremely important matter: security in an Afghan village. As the subtitles on the report reveal, the Afghan resident clearly stated that there was “no security” – and the interpreter reported that there were “no problems.”

How can such gross misinterpretation be possible?

As we have already mentioned on this blog, the US military continues to be hindered by a lack of qualified translators, and is actively seeking language experts.

The ABC report implies, however, that unqualified translators and interpreters may slip through some language service subcontractors’ qualification processes.

Indeed, a whistleblower for one agency is now involved with a lawsuit that accuses his former company of providing the military with unqualified interpreters. The court case is pending.

In the meantime, we can only emphasize the importance of high standards in language translation and interpretation in all arenas, especially those where safety and security are involved.

Betty Carlson

See Also

• Language Translation, Inc.
  A leading language translation and interpretation service provider for more than 20 years.