The Importance of Adequate Translation

Oftentimes, just like the video above, important words and phrases can be lost in translation. I believe its not done intentionally. I believe when there's an inadequate translation method used, such as the one in this video clip, both parties can miss the entire picture (and meaning) all together. I know this dialogue was meant just for laughs, and I actually did laugh out loud, numerous times. However, aside from the humor, I'm sure there is some truth to this scenario. And for the patient's sake, I hope it doesn't happen too often. Or better yet, not at all.

For those who do not speak the Khmer language, the dialogue goes like this:

At the beginning the patient mumbles something about her kids. Then she mumbles about the food and how she's enduring this ordeal.

Patient: "I don't want to eat the food. It does not have any flavor. Nobody eats it. It will make them ill even more. Cannot eat it. I cannot eat it. I don't like this food. Don't like this food. This food is not tasty. I don't want this food. I don't want to be here. I cannot endure it." 

Then the patient mumbles something about death. The hospital worker put the phone receiver in the air. The interpreter sums up only what he heard, which was repeated out loud by the worker; "I can't stand this. I wish I was dead. Please kill me." 

Even though the translation was not word-for-word, it did get the message across. If you're curious to know the word-for-word translation, it is "I cannot endure it. Kill me! I cannot endure it. I cannot endure it! I want to die! I just want to die!! I can't endure it. I want to die."

The portion of the dialogue that was lost in translation was the part where the patient complained about the food. The segment that the interpreter heard was when the patient said she couldn't stand it and wanted to die. Now imagine if this was a real life situation where only a fraction of the dialogue got translated, while the other equally important part was left out. I would be concerned. Wouldn't you?

(Read my other post, My Early Days as an Interpreter).

Mom's Rehab Update, Week Two

Mom is continuing to improve on a daily basis.  With practice and encouragement, she has become more independent.  For instance, she's been able to get most of the food onto the spoon and into her mouth, reach longer to grab something, and push the "call" button when she needs assistance from the RN and CNAs.

Mom have also been able to maneuver her working arm (left arm) and get herself partially dressed, hold onto a bedrail so she could push herself from side to side with ease, and move her wheelchair backward and forward (even though right now all she's been able to do is go in circles with it). In addition, she is able to sit up in bed for longer period of time without any assistance. Also, by just looking into the mirror in front of her, she knows when to wipe away any food particle that land on her chin. And she does a pretty good job at it the first time around.

The therapists suggest we continue to work with Mom on self-care, such as getting dressed, combing her hair, feeding herself, etc. Also, we should continue with helping her identify objects and improve her speech.  A method that the Speech Therapist suggested was to have only one person speak slowly to Mom, as well as have Mom speak slowly to us.  Furthermore, when having a conversation with Mom, try having her finish the sentence.  For example, say something like "My name is ..." or " His name is...".

Reflecting back on therapy sessions and whatnot this past week, I believe Mom have made great improvement. Not only has she been able to pronounce some words clearer than last week, but she is more aware of what is expected of her, in terms of feeding herself and taking medications.  In short, she is getting the hang of things. I think consistency in daily routine is key to her moving one step closer to a quick recovery

Thankfulness Through a Child's Eyes

This past Sunday was my daughter’s turn to give a talk during our church's Primary program. She was excited and pretty much wrote the talk all by herself. All I did was help her find a passage in the scripture that coincides with the chosen topic and then typed it up so it would be legible enough to read.

When I told my daughter she could choose any topic for her talk (per the message that I received from the Primary secretary), she knew immediately what she wanted to speak about.

These are copies of my daughter’s talk, written on three separate pieces of paper. As you can see, she used a couple different writing tools; a pen and a marker. The talk started out with a scriptural reference, which says, "Doctrine and Covenants 136:28-- 'If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.'  

 

Then it continued with, "Thanksgiving is a special day when all my family is here to celebrate and to play but when it is time to share [what I'm thankful for] all that I am thankful for is God and Jesus and my family, and friends. Thanksgiving is when families get together. We are thankful for food and water, books, a bed, the temple and church."

Even though my daughter called for me to stand beside her at the podium, she did great on her own. I guess all she needed was moral support. And I was more than happy to be there.

It didn't dawn on me until later in the day that the list of things my daughter was thankful for, were what most people would consider the essentials; family, friends, food, a bed, church, etc.

To me, this is a testimony that young children can understand what is truly important in life. They can learn that we don't need material things to be happy. Family, friends, food, and the gospel are what's important and the source of true happiness.

For the record, my daughter is not at all deprived. She has a room full of toys and a closet full of clothes. But the fact that she chose to list only what matters most to her, was what touched my heart so deeply.