Female vs Male interpreters

[Scorpion]

Guys, do you think its wise for me to hire male interpreter to travel with me since most of the girls I will meet are younger than me!

I am thinking about hiring Stirlitz or maybe Pavel for a month

http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=7226;type=avatar
But I look at his photo and he kind of scares me! I hope thats not his best photo otherwise I think its best if I hire anoter interpreter!

I dont know, I am a little confused, please help!

Which one would you recommend Pavel or Stirlitz?
Please advice!

[Kuna]

Are you serious???  "To travel with you for a month"? 

OMG...

Scorpion,

I don't know how you planned your trip but it might be worth discussing it in here for a bit of optimisation if you're planning on hiring ANYONE for a month.

Kuna

[Scorpion]

I dont think I can trust Stirlitz to travel with me, 5 hours from Odessa to Kharkov by taxi is a long drive and there is something about his photo I dont like!

Jack, is there a female interpreter who posts here?
I dont mind hiring Galina from your office? What is her mobile number?
Please advise!

[Kuna]

Scorpion,

How much are you being quoted for the ride from Odessa to Lugansk?

Kuna

[ScottinCrimea]

I think it would make a lot more sense to have someone meet you and get you to your various destinations and take care of basic needs and arrange for other interpretation services on an as needed basis, for example, when you have a date with someone whose English is not adequate.  If you are planning on visiting several cities, you could arrange for different drivers. interpretors, etc. in each location.  The idea of spending an entire month with someone constantly at your side, in addition to the expense of their time as well as room and board for them seems like way too much.

[Daveman]

Scorpion, a post op gay lesbian transgender male to female back to male to somewhere in between makes the best interpreter.  They'll even let you pull their leg a bit too.  Of course, i don't know from experience, only word of mouth...

[acrzybear]

Scorpion, a post op gay lesbian transgender male to female back to male to somewhere in between makes the best interpreter.  They'll even let you pull their leg a bit too.  Of course, i don't know from experience, only word of mouth...

So Daveman, does that mean Scorpion can hire you?
Couldn't resist pulling your leg-lol

[ScottinCrimea]

Daveman,  Whose mouth?

[Daveman]

So Daveman, does that mean Scorpion can hire you?
Couldn't resist pulling your leg-lol

crazybear,
That cracked me up... yeah! I may qualify! lol  I even have some dead cats around here somewhere..

Scott, I think it's a rented inflatable mouth... but I'm not exactly sure.. 

[Nando]

Well I have to say that I used the services of Stirlitz for two weeks while in Odessa and to say the truth he was very helpful.
He also looks...Ukrainian, so I don't understand what is scaring you

Off course if you decide to go to Kiev maybe you can use Pavel (I never used his services) in that region.

But do you really need a guide for the entire month?
Is it a tour all over Ukraine?

[DKMM]

How much do you pay and when are you going?  I'll come guide you around, just pay for my expenses (and I want my own room).

Whaddya say?

[2tallbill]

Guys, do you think its wise for me to hire male interpreter to travel with me since most of the girls I will meet are younger than me!

I am thinking about hiring Stirlitz or maybe Pavel for a month

http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=7226;type=avatar
But I look at his photo and he kind of scares me! I hope thats not his best photo otherwise I think its best if I hire another interpreter!

I have used both Stirlitz and Pavel for a number of things. They are both reliable and neither are scary.
If you look at Stirlitz photo he looks like a kid, He doesn't drink and takes good care of himself so he looks
very young but not scary at all.

I think that you should keep both of their numbers in event you ever had a problem. They can help you
with many things, like getting you a local phone, renting an apartment, translating etc. Both of them can speak
English, Russian and Ukrainian. Stirlitz's English is better but Pavel can speak well enough for 95% of your needs.
If you are also doing business or working in engineering, or in the oil industry then Stirlitz can speak very well
in these specialties.

I know that neither of these guys will scare you. They will hold your hand if you need it and even give you advice.
They treat most men like a newbie because they don't want you to fall on your face, they will guide you as much
or as little as you see fit. Talk to them explain what you want and what your goals are. They will help you.

Here is what I would recommend. Hire one of them for a week. Then see if you still need them. I like both of these
men. If you ever think that something is not progressing properly then I think that you should bluntly tell them this.
They will not be offended. One time I yelled at Stirlitz for not returning my call. He looked at my phone and showed
me that I had run out of minutes. I said I was sorry and he was not at all upset at all. Bluntness works!

There are a very few people that used these men as a guide and at the end decided they were unhappy. Don't ever let this happen to
you. If you are ever unhappy for any reason, then tell them bluntly right away. They understand bluntness. They are smart men and appreciate
feedback, positive or otherwise. I have never had a single problem with these guys, but I have also always told them what I want and what
I need and they have never let me down. They will not let you down either. If you have a disagreement then tell them right away. For example
I disagreed with Stirlitz on a couple of things. I told him, he said he disagreed but he did it my way. If I could do it over again, I would have
done at least one of the two things his way. Listen to them and make your own decision.

It is possible after a week or so you will not need them to help you. If this is the case then let them know. Remember that if you get your
a$$ in a pinch that both of these fine men will bust their butts to get you out of the pinch. It is very likely that your butt will not get in a pinch
with the police or anything else but if it does..............then either one of these men will work their a$$ off to get you out of it.

So my advice is to hire one of them for a week with the possibility for the rest of your time. They are not rich men so pay them and if they do as
good as a job as they have done for me then give them a bonus or a tip.

My last advice is to not use an agency translator. An agency translator will not tell you if the lady that you are talking to is just pulling your
chain. Stirlitz and Pavel will tell you this, in addition an agency translator may say things are going well when they are not. Obviously Stirlitz or
Pavel will not tell you this unless they believe it. Both of them will notice how they interact with waitresses and other people, if they think the
woman is a harsh person or trying to hide something then they will tell you.

When using a translator it is important to wait until they translate until asking another question. I am horrible at this because I think
I know what they said and I am right about 20% of the time. So I am wrong about 80%.

good luck,

Bill

[I/O]

It would seem to me.....................Nah, forget it.....the whole premis of this thread is just too ridiculous to waste the time........... :selfharm: :selfharm:

I/O

[DKMM]

Which one I/O?

This? "do you think its wise for me to hire male interpreter to travel with me since most of the girls I will meet are younger than me "

[2tallbill]

Which one I/O?

This? "do you think its wise for me to hire male interpreter to travel with me since most of the girls I will meet are younger than me "

You need a translator that you can trust. This is important.


Good luck,

Bill

[I/O]

Which one I/O?

This? "do you think its wise for me to hire male interpreter to travel with me since most of the girls I will meet are younger than me "

The whole idea of needing a terp for an extended period of time is just beyond me.  I guess I run against the popular thinking, but I have long felt if one needs a "Terp" in order to travel to a given country, then they should in fact stay out of that country, perhaps even stay home.

This is in no way meant to be a shot at professional translators or terps.  I am sure they do a fine job, but if I had to go down that road (For social purposes), frankly I wouldn't bother.

I/O

[Kuna]

Guys, do you think its wise for me to hire male interpreter to travel with me since most of the girls I will meet are younger than me!

I am thinking about hiring Stirlitz or maybe Pavel for a month

http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=7226;type=avatar
But I look at his photo and he kind of scares me! I hope thats not his best photo otherwise I think its best if I hire another interpreter!

I have used both Stirlitz and Pavel for a number of things. They are both reliable and neither are scary.
If you look at Stirlitz photo he looks like a kid, He doesn't drink and takes good care of himself so he looks
very young but not scary at all.

I think that you should keep both of their numbers in event you ever had a problem. They can help you
with many things, like getting you a local phone, renting an apartment, translating etc. Both of them can speak
English, Russian and Ukrainian. Stirlitz's English is better but Pavel can speak well enough for 95% of your needs.
If you are also doing business or working in engineering, or in the oil industry then Stirlitz can speak very well
in these specialties.

I know that neither of these guys will scare you. They will hold your hand if you need it and even give you advice.
They treat most men like a newbie because they don't want you to fall on your face, they will guide you as much
or as little as you see fit. Talk to them explain what you want and what your goals are. They will help you.

Here is what I would recommend. Hire one of them for a week. Then see if you still need them. I like both of these
men. If you ever think that something is not progressing properly then I think that you should bluntly tell them this.
They will not be offended. One time I yelled at Stirlitz for not returning my call. He looked at my phone and showed
me that I had run out of minutes. I said I was sorry and he was not at all upset at all. Bluntness works!

There are a very few people that used these men as a guide and at the end decided they were unhappy. Don't ever let this happen to
you. If you are ever unhappy for any reason, then tell them bluntly right away. They understand bluntness. They are smart men and appreciate
feedback, positive or otherwise. I have never had a single problem with these guys, but I have also always told them what I want and what
I need and they have never let me down. They will not let you down either. If you have a disagreement then tell them right away. For example
I disagreed with Stirlitz on a couple of things. I told him, he said he disagreed but he did it my way. If I could do it over again, I would have
done at least one of the two things his way. Listen to them and make your own decision.

It is possible after a week or so you will not need them to help you. If this is the case then let them know. Remember that if you get your
a$$ in a pinch that both of these fine men will bust their butts to get you out of the pinch. It is very likely that your butt will not get in a pinch
with the police or anything else but if it does..............then either one of these men will work their a$$ off to get you out of it.

So my advice is to hire one of them for a week with the possibility for the rest of your time. They are not rich men so pay them and if they do as
good as a job as they have done for me then give them a bonus or a tip.

My last advice is to not use an agency translator. An agency translator will not tell you if the lady that you are talking to is just pulling your
chain. Stirlitz and Pavel will tell you this, in addition an agency translator may say things are going well when they are not. Obviously Stirlitz or
Pavel will not tell you this unless they believe it. Both of them will notice how they interact with waitresses and other people, if they think the
woman is a harsh person or trying to hide something then they will tell you.

When using a translator it is important to wait until they translate until asking another question. I am horrible at this because I think
I know what they said and I am right about 20% of the time. So I am wrong about 80%.

good luck,

Bill

Bill,

Are you serious???  I mean come on dude... ARE YOU SERIOUS?

There's SO MUCH bad advice in there that one must question your logic and motivation.

If you're going to give advice at least make it in the interests of the TRAVELLER!

Kuna

[WmGO]

The whole idea of needing a terp for an extended period of time is just beyond me.  I guess I run against the popular thinking, but I have long felt if one needs a "Terp" in order to travel to a given country, then they should in fact stay out of that country, perhaps even stay home.

That is my thinking.

I cannot stand the thought of someone leading me around like a helpless child. It is demeaning in addition to just plain unneccessary. And it defeats my need for and sense of adventure.

However, I would add this: I prefer female over male interpreters. If possible a female interpreter that is in their 30s or early to mid 40s.

Also, I think it is best to avoid the  agency interpreter - find a freelance interpreter. They are out there.

True story: back in 2002 I made the following trip without any interpreters or guides except for a couple of actual meetings with FSUW: fly into Kiev, spend some days, take plane to Dnepropetovsk for two days, take a merchant bus to Odessa for few days, take  bus to Kherson for one day, hire driver to take me back to DNP in middle of night, next morning fly to Moscow, spend few days, fly to Riga spend a few days, then fly home........never used an interpreter except for actual meeting with a lady in Odessa, one in Kherson, and one in Riga.............other than those meetings no interpreter..............it was one of the greatest adventures of my life.

[Daveman]

There's SO MUCH bad advice in there that one must question your logic and motivation.

If you're going to give advice at least make it in the interests of the TRAVELLER!

Kuna

I was under the impression that Scorpion was having some fun doing a little chain yankin' (Pullin' the Piss) out of us in this and the other thread.  If it was NOT a joke, then there are far more concerns than simply worrying about a translator.

Kuna,  I must have missed something in Bill's post.  What exactly is the bad advice?  I'm not one for using a translator/guide for extended periods (actually I've never used one except for during my 12 hour layover in Moscow when I wanted to see many places in a very short period - and she was absolutely fantastic in many ways other than merely showing me places), but in context of the original question asked, Bill's advice seems to be sound. 

If I were trying to conduct business in Ukraine, I wouldn't hesitate to call Stirlitz and inquire about his services, among others.  If I had my first trip to do over again, I'd probably use a guide for a couple of days to get me up to speed on getting around in the different country.  If I ever do go back to Odessa, I might hire him for a day or two to show me really cool places I'd never find on my own, and ask a billion questions about Ukraine, and teach him how to pick off a fly at 25 yards with his pistol. :-)))

Of course, no one can conduct relationships with a guide holding his hand, but some guys, especially on the virgin voyage, will do much better with someone to assist him.  And, if Scorpion's other post was not a joke, I really think hiring a guide/interpreter is a very, very, very good idea.

Dave

[William3rd]

Personally, I found that female interpreters were much superior. Professional interpreters and not girls on the hunt who happen to speak English.

There were several occasions over the years where the female interpreter would get the woman to open up-something that the woman would not do with a male. I guess it is a girl thing.

Anyway-that is my opinion.

[WmGO]

Wm3rd,

Exactly! Agree 100%.

[I/O]

In all my travels, I have used a "Terp" one time and that was simply as an experiment when meeting a lady I knew dammed well was not serious.  We spent a sum total of 5 minutes before I confirmed they were both full of schit and called them both out.

Oh yes they both played the game and protested vigoriously.  My comment was, your fee is $10 / hour, here is $20 now p!ss off and dont annoy me any longer.  They both walked away wondering what the hell had happend.  It was simply an exercise to confirm what I suspected.  Little did they know that I understood almost everything they said.  Go figure.

Needing a nurse maid to guide one around and then needing a terp to develop a relationship which is supposed to last a lifetime seems a very strange way to go about things to me, but I guess I am the odd one out here because it seems many do it that way. :noidea: :noidea: :noidea: Kinda like taking your Mother-in-law on your honeymoon to call the strokes.

I/O

[AnastassiaAsh]

Moderator, please post this where you think it is appropriate, i found several topics but didn't know which would be the best.

This is an article that i wrote some time ago to help people in thier search for a translator.
______________________________________

How to know if your translator is a professional and competent.

Lot’s has been said, maybe I will repeat some ideas, the aim of this article is to gather all the tips and info that is out there and add my own ideas to help you along this process.

I am a professional E/R translator/interpreter/teacher and here I would like to share with you some info and tips how to choose a right and competent translator for you.

Being just a bilingual is definitely not enough.

It is very important to find a very professional and experienced translator/interpreter for any language work if need arises, but if we are talking about establishing friendship with a Russian speaking lady and moreover relationship leading to marriage this subject becomes just crucial.

A professional translator should

1.   have an in-depth knowledge of the language - grammar, semantics, idioms, slang, proverbs, realities, syntax of both languages
2.   Should transfer if you wish the structure of an English sentence into the Russian sentence structure,
3.   Should take into consideration the differences between American and British English.
4.   Should be impartial.


Should not
1.   sometimes translate words by words, but ideas,
2.   Use any on-line or computer automatic translator.


The background and education of a professional translator - level

1.   Graduate from the following universities or institutes in Moscow (or other famous linguistic universities in other big cities, capitals)


a. Moris Torez Institute of Foreign Languages or its branches
b. MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY FOR INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (MGIMO).
c. Lenin Pedagogical University.
d. Lomonosov Moscow State University

From either the philology department or interpreting department, or any other true linguistic department.

2.   First language should be English, second one any other language (if for example French is first and English is second, then again the quality will suffer
3.   SHOULD BE WILLING TO ACTUALLY SHOW HIS/HER DIPLOMA AND CV
4.   Should have some years of experience
5.   Should know and be willing to explain how she/he really works, what methods or ways he/she uses


For 3 way calls:
It is really good when:

1.   An interpreter makes 2 parties feel comfortable talking to each other through this interpreter
2.   Helps to ‘melt the ice’ between 2 parties
3.   Gives true unbiased evaluation of a lady after the call
4.   Explains to you anything again if you didn’t grasp it during the very call

More than just translators   

1.   It is very good if a person actually lives or lived in US or UK or Canada, to really understand all the cultural realities American Man lives in: to be able to explain or to know what a ‘loan’ is or what ‘deductible’ is and how credit cards work etc. Understand and respect cultures.

2.   ready to explain differences between 2 countries

3.   We are mostly dealing with K1 visa and if a translator came through K1 herself and knows all the details, how to avoid some steps and save time and how and where to get necessary documents, then she can share all this info and her experience and give advice on that.

4.   ready to tell what awaits lady here when she moves to the USA: problems and how to overcome them.

5.   A translator/interpreter should be a really good psychologist, should be able to predict or detect any Red Flags, should be able to encourage or comfort, to clarify some cultural or meaning misunderstandings, should not be afraid to do it not once if need arises till 2 parties understand each other to the end.

6.   It is good when a translator can help you to compose your first introductory letter, to prompt you how to target or attract more ladies

7.   good-mannered and friendly, ready to help any time and have reasonable prices with discounts

It is good to use one translator consistently for your 3 way calls, because you and your interpreter will get used to each other, the interpreter will know your particular situation better, you will feel much convenient and confident.

It might be a good idea to use one interpreter for 3 way calls and another for written translations. Each will be professional in his/her sphere.

If you find this kind of a translator you:

1.   Won’t have to worry to ‘simplify’ your letters, especially your introductory one, you will be able to use the style and way that you want and are used to.
2.   the quality of all E and R translations will be very high which means no misunderstandings which means
3.   you will be able to establish the ‘spiritual contact’
4.   should be able to receive translations very fast: the same day or the next day, thus saving lots of time

______________________________________________________________

This passage is something that I didn’t write, but agree with.


THE TRANSLATOR VERSUS THE AGENCY

Each of these options - to order a translator directly or through an agency - has its pros and cons.
•   PRICE - If you deal with the translator directly, you won't be paying fees to an agency. More importantly, though, you'll know for sure that the entire sum is going to the translator. With some of the less professional agencies, you can pay what seems a fair price, even allowing for the agency fee, but in reality the translator receives a disproportionately small amount and the agency takes an excessively large cut. Such agencies consequently employ less experienced, poorer quality translators, often amateurs, and charge professional rates for them. The agencies that advertise significantly lower prices may be more honest in this regard, but through such an agency you will never get a quality professional who knows the value of his time which is substantiated by qualifications and experience. So it's up to clients themselves to set their priorities, paying due regard to their interpreting and translating needs (volume, purpose, etc.) and taking account of how a good translator can help and, conversely, how a bad translator can damage their purpose.
•   A RELIABLE AGENCY, on the other hand, can offer you a more comprehensive service, including conference organizing, interpreting equipment hire and large-volume translation projects. Agencies like these will try to accommodate all requirements, but they won't promise miracles. Just like a responsible translator or interpreter, they will explain politely that some requests (such as 100 pages for translating within two days) cannot be met, even with the best will in the world, if professional standards are to be maintained.
•   IF YOU HAVE YOUR OWN TRANSLATOR, whom you work with well, whom your partners and clients also respond to well, and who knows your situation and needs, is reliable and, above all, knows what he is doing, then you've got it made. What's more, translators working on the free market pamper their good clients, as they have plenty of experience with bad ones. Clearly, then, your translator will do all he can for you. Nevertheless, it may happen that - owing to illness or an excessive workload - your translator will not be available. In this event, he will certainly be able to recommend a trustworthy colleague or one of the reliable agencies on the market.

[AnastassiaAsh]

Man vs. Woman translator? Well, it depends.

I would say if you need just written translations - then any professional will be great, doesn't matter if it is a man or a woman.

When it comes to 3-way calls i would choose a woman interpreter, and if you go out there a woman too because she will be able to prompt you more about a girl/girls you meet because she sees their point of view more clearly and where they are coming from. And if this woman interpreter is honest enough she can let you know what is on your girl's mind. A man interpreter can detect some things i suppose too, but i would say he has a bigger chance of not understanding your lady's behaviour either. Some times only a woman can tell you if you should worry about 'this thing' or if that's just a coincidence or something.

[2tallbill]

Wow Anastassia, lots of good advice there you have obviously given this some thought.

I have been to the FSU five times and don't really need a guide anymore. But there have been a time or two that it would have been nice to have a translator present.

Just my two kopecks,

Bill