In the article, `Wanted: English speakers with fluency in sarcasm` (2008), Peter Kingston states that there is such a desperate shortage of competent interpreters that the first generation of interpreters still assume the responsibility for conference interpreting. Therefore, Kingston does an interview to find out what causes the current situation and how to deal with it.
Interpreting plays an essential role in international affairs. The demand for interpreters who have skills with multiple languages is dramatically increasing due to the rising demand of international organizations after the Second World War. Says Dr Svetlana Carsten (cited in Kingston, 2008), director of the interpreting postgraduate programme at Leeds. Moreover, Brian Fox (cited in Kingston, 2008), director of interpretation at European commission, adds that just because of this, more and more countries require to supplement interpreting of their own languages.
The reason why the scarcity forms is varied, while in practice, high standard for interpreters, defective education system and first language limitation may be the most critical factors. Kingston points out in comparison with public service interpreters, conference interpreters are considered to possess the strongest professional qualities. Carsten (cited in Kingston, 2008) and Laurence Binnington (cited in Kingston, 2008), professor in the Russian department at the Monterey Institute’s school of interpretation, both agree with Kingston. Carsten also emphasizes that simultaneous interpreters should be quick-minded to handle any emergency with ease. Binnington indicates the interpreter’s selection might be extremely strict. Education system is another vital reason which is complained by Carsten. She says during the past five years, only eight students from Leeds were admitted to be interpreters of the European Commission. Besides, Kingston totally agrees with Carsten and Fox (cited in Kingston, 2008) that the