Using the formal 'you' while interpreting Thread poster: Sara Senft
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Sara Senft 
United States
Local time: 05:18
Spanish to English
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When I interpret, I use the formal case of 'you.' I'm better off using this case, right?
Personally, I don't like using 'tu' (you, informal in Spanish) when interpreting. That seems too much like devaluing or disrespect.
| | | | Heidi C
Local time: 05:18
English to Spanish
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You should always use "usted", unless asked to use "tú".
And usually, they will address you in the formal, as "usted", so it would be awful to use the informal form while you are being adressed formally...
You are in a formal situation and should use formal address...
| | | | thescarid
Local time: 11:18
French to English
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| But be sure of the audience | Nov 14, 2008 |
When you are translating you should also be aware of the relationships of the persons you are translating for. It is true you are in a professional situation, but it is worth considering the position of those for whom you are interpreting. Cheers
| | | | Wil Hardman (X)
United Kingdom
Local time: 10:18
Spanish to English
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| I was taught to use usted. | Nov 14, 2008 |
When I did a business interpreting course during my diploma they always taught me to use the formal- but when learning to speak Spanish beforehand I had always used the informal. This caused me a lot of problems - I was always switching back to informal without realising it. I worked on this and when it came to exam I was going really well until, right at the end, I slipped up and used 'tu'! They marked me down really severly for it giving me just 50% (the lowest pass grade), which I thought was... See more When I did a business interpreting course during my diploma they always taught me to use the formal- but when learning to speak Spanish beforehand I had always used the informal. This caused me a lot of problems - I was always switching back to informal without realising it. I worked on this and when it came to exam I was going really well until, right at the end, I slipped up and used 'tu'! They marked me down really severly for it giving me just 50% (the lowest pass grade), which I thought was unfair because IMO the ability to communicate is the most important thing. However, my teachers attached a lot of importance to it. ▲ Collapse
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Sara Senft
United States
Local time: 05:18
Spanish to English
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TOPIC STARTER | I thought so | Nov 14, 2008 |
That's what I thought. Thank you for the confirmation.
Heidi C wrote:
You should always use "usted", unless asked to use "tú".
And usually, they will address you in the formal, as "usted", so it would be awful to use the informal form while you are being adressed formally...
You are in a formal situation and should use formal address...
| | | | | many situations | Nov 14, 2008 |
Just to add a little colour to the topic:
In Argentina, some people could get offended if you use “USTED”.
Mostly with women, they could consider you are treating them as old since in Argentina, “usted” is only used in extremely formal cases (a judge, the president) or, with older people.
| | | | wonita (X)
China
Local time: 07:18
siempre "say you to me".
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