I'll take the losers.

[TheHorseman]

I think that is what I was trying to say

[RacerX]

For a translator, 7USD/hr sounds about right, however, for an interpreter, especially an experienced one, the fee is usually somewhat higher. Americans cannot typically compose a single verbal sentence without resorting to idioms, so that, and the fact that humor is very difficult to “export” means that one has to be careful with the person entrusted to help with communications. 

Strange to me that the fee is being expressed as “per hour,” because the last time I did this, I paid my interpreter on a daily basis having needed her from am to pm.  Like Jet mentioned, my then g/f knew more English that she was willing to admit at the time, but I was not willing to take any chances on  things going badly if I developed a terminal case of cultural foot-in-mouth disease.

Although its been awhile, I think I paid one interpreter $300 for a week of work and she seemed quite happy with it (not mentioning the numerous meals and other perks).

[Vaughn]

  I've got to agree with The Horseman and Leslie. The
effort put forth in learning her language goes a long way.
Most seem unwilling to do this - either they feel it's easier
to use a paid service to enable conversation, or they
simply won't try.

  There were a few moments when our own level
of discussion got too deep for my ability - I was still
able to comprehend but not fluent enough to intelligently
respond. There were points where even a dictionary couldn't
convey abstract meaning....  and on those few occasions, we
sought the services of a qualified & experienced interpreter.

  Two going it alone with limited ability and a dictionary will
effect "breakthroughs" that can be very bonding - their
value is incalculable. It takes desire, though.

[wiz]

I didn't really want to be the one that said it,,,, but everyone is kinda hitting around saying it..... "Trophy Wives"

I am not afraid of saying the unspeakable.

You are right that all the "Oil paintings" want is a "Trophy Wife". They are not looking for a "Real Woman" to make a happy family!

All this talking about interpreters etc is nothing more than a business transaction to facilitate their quest for the "Arm candy".

You see with Money you can buy everything apart from Happines!

[Stirlitz]

Strange to me that the fee is being expressed as “per hour,” because the last time I did this, I paid my interpreter on a daily basis having needed her from am to pm.

This is just one option. Of course it is possible to pay per day. However, some people only need it for a couple of hours. When you pay per day it can be cheaper than paying per hour if you need it all day long, especially if your day lasts long.

[Manny]

I am not afraid of saying the unspeakable.

You are right that all the "Oil paintings" want is a "Trophy Wife". They are not looking for a "Real Woman" to make a happy family!

All this talking about interpreters etc is nothing more than a business transaction to facilitate their quest for the "Arm candy".

You see with Money you can buy everything apart from Happines!

Yes I would go with that Wiz, also to your earlier point about women who dont speak a word of English. It is folly to imagine you can have a meaningful conversation via an interpreter (Sorry Igor  )

Also I agree with horseman about learning Russian, I am in no way fluent but have been learning 9 months or so, and it goes down very well with my lady that I make the effort!

Any FSU girl that seriously considers a relationship with a foreign man knows that she needs to speak English (or Italian if she fancies an Italian man etc) so she should have reached a certain level in that regard before putting herself out there. If she has no language she will only be targeted by arm candy seeking sex tourists and then she will end up on antidate bad mouthing us all!

[Son of Clyde]

Beyond the third date an interpreter is like a turd in a cornflake bowl  

I have never heard this analagy but I like it.

[Son of Clyde]

My young interpreter was extremely helpful because my future wife and I discussed many important issues. Even though we met on a marriage site, she was not going to uproot herself without knowing my intentions were honorable and I would be protecting her and her son. I am sure Igor's English is much better than the English spoken by my young interpreter but an American staying upstairs in the apartment building met her and was very impressed with her excellent English.

I am in no way insinuating you must go with a $7.00 an hour interpreter I am just saying it is your choice. The advantage to this young lady is that she lives in Yalta and Igor would have to travel to Yalta and would need to rent a room. He wanted to stay as close to where we were staying as possible and to bring his wife. I see nothing wrong with this but I saw it as another additional expense. His wife could have been good company for Iryna and could have offered more insight but I chose to let Iryna arrange every aspect of my trip. She wanted to do this as I would have done the same for her in my country if she was visiting for 2 weeks.

[catzenmouse]

Using a young interpreter is fine for initial meetings.  I have used Jack's interpreters myself so I can speak from personal experience.  If you need relationship advice from a student then you should not be playing this game.  Beyond the third date an interpreter is like a turd in a cornflake bowl  

LEARN RUSSIAN.  Your limited Russian and her limited English and a dictionary is the way to go.  If you are not prepared to make this effort then only date women who speak reasonable English.  Language education is important for you and vital for her.  Being cheap here is counter productive.  You get what you pay for.

I have worked in foreign countries for a significant part of my life so I am used to dealing with commercial interpreters/translators.  I have a friend who is registered with the British Embassy as a commercial translator.  He does not work with MOB clients and few would pay his fees (more than double Igor's).  His level of skill is WAY beyond the $7 interpreters who will hang around a disco bar with you.  You need this level of skill occasionally.  Providing a legally certified translation of a pre marital agreement.  Or translating the contracts when you buy a flat.  You get what you pay for.  What most guys need is a guide with good social skills.  A reliable person who you can trust is more important than linguistic skills.  

IMHO you should learn enough Russian to be self sufficient as quick as possible.

Bolding is mine. Right on Target, Succinct, and Relevant. Well said Leslie!

[Stirlitz]

It is folly to imagine you can have a meaningful conversation via an interpreter (Sorry Igor  )

Why do you think so? If you have never had a meaningful conversation via an interpreter, it means that either you had the wrong intepreter or the wrong person to talk to. A good professional interpreter can make you forget about him being there.

Look at simultaneous interpreters who work at conferences. They sit in a small cabin with headphones and cannot be even seen by the participants. Nevertheless, people manage to discuss subjects which are far more profound and meaningful than romance chat. And they do not even think there are any interpreters there. They just talk.

The advantage to this young lady is that she lives in Yalta and Igor would have to travel to Yalta and would need to rent a room. He wanted to stay as close to where we were staying as possible and to bring his wife.

Again I have to explain something. I could find where to stay for $10 a night and if I brought my wife it would be same $10 for the two of us. I never insisted on bringing her, I only asked, “What do you think if” and I was quite ready to take no as an answer without any grudge. In fact if I had had her with me I would have been paying for her expenses myself and she would not have been in the way unless you wanted to meet her. The client is supposed to cover my costs associated with the job but is not supposed to pay for anything which does not fall into this category. However, you said yourself: “I can even take you and your wife to dinner”…

Actually, it is not my wife or additional expenses, but Iryna who was the main reason for choosing the other interpreter after we arranged everything… However, as I said, no need to go into details Clyde. This is past and best forgotten. You said yourself: end of story, why not leave it at that. Do you want me to give a full account?

[Son of Clyde]

Igor, no problem I am just trying to explain why I used my wife's friend to interpret for us. It seemed easier at the time and my wife wanted to make all the arrangements. This is why she phoned you. She probably had her friend in mind from the beginning. If the lady will not be available and I need to travel to Ukraine alone, I may contact you if I am in Crimea in the future. It is nice to have two contacts in Crimea.

[Jack]

Hey SoC, could you send me this ladies information who did a good job for you in Crimea, or post it here, one or the other. Although we have a wonderful interpreter/driver/translator in Crimea in our Eugene, a great many guys prefer a female interpreter and it would be good to have her information since you recommend her.

[Son of Clyde]

Jack, I sent her an email to see if she is interested. I will let you know more when she contacts me.