Japanese Arabic Interpreters

Japanese Arabic Interpreters 日本語アラビア語通訳 Muhammad Y Gamal, PhD Diplomatic Interpreter Sydney, Australia

The Arabic word Tarjamah means translation as well as interpreting. In Egypt, Translation Studies tend to focus a lot more on the written word than on the spoken. Thus, interpreting is rarely taught at the undergraduate level. When it is examined, at the postgraduate level, conference interpreting is predominantly the mode of interpreting that is taught. Not surprisingly, the number of dissertations and publications that examine interpreting is minuscule and the little research conducted leads to no postgraduate degrees in interpreting studies. Likewise, diplomatic interpreting with its several settings and modes of work is rarely examined despite the obvious need not only in European languages but also in African and Asian ones as well. The field of diplomatic interpreting, and due primarily to its context and settings, requires special training, mentoring and time. It is insightful to examine ancient Egyptian inscriptions showing how the Pharaohs relied on the services of ‘qualified and experienced’ interpreters to further Egypt’s interests regionally. The recent visit to Egypt by the Japanese Prime Minister, and his Arabic interpreters, cast light on the interpreting profession in Arabic and particularly in Egypt. Attention to European languages has obscured the importance of Asian languages particularly Japanese and Korean. This is despite the teaching of Japanese at the Faculty of Al Alsun, the iconic school of translators and interpreters. Key words: Al Alsun, Asahi, diplomacy, interpreting studies, Osaka Gaidai, tsuyaku