When it comes to armed conflicts it is impossible not to think about weapons.
Weapons are used to fight. Weapons are used to win. Isn’t it?
Weapons, weapons, and more weapons.
A word we have heard ever since we have memory.
A word that immediately draws an image in our minds.
I bet that the classic image of a firearm pops up in your heads as you read this.
Am I right?
When it comes to armed conflicts, however, there are many types of weapons.
And I’m not talking about classic weapons (machine guns, knives, grenades, missiles, or any other kind you are probably thinking about as you read this).
I am talking about language.
Yes, language can be one of the most powerful weapons when dealing with an armed conflict.
Just as good communication can accomplish more than any effective weapon.
Nonetheless, getting to “talk” is extremely hard during the course of a conflict! Don’t you think so?
Especially considering how hard it is for human beings to communicate with each other.
Normally, communication is a big issue.
It’s challenging for couples, for family relatives, even for best friends.
In general, coming to an understanding is not an easy deal.
Much less if there is a conflict involved.
If we add up the barrier of language to this equation, it becomes even harder!
And if we consider cultural differences on top of this — Houston, we have a problem!
Thus, good and appropriate communication in armed conflicts is key to resolve them.
Otherwise, I am sure that this may cause more damage (or accomplish more positive results, depending on the case) than any weapon.
If we see it this way, another kind of “soldier” shows up.
One that has been trained precisely to use this different type of weapon we have been discussing about.
This soldier, known to all as translator or interpreter, has a critical mission in armed conflicts. This soldier must carefully select the right approach, tone, cultural nuances, and words to enable an appropriate comprehension of the positions expressed by all parties involved.
They must be objective and professional.
They must understand the context.
They must be familiar with the culture.
They must know how to place themselves in both space and time.
It does not matter if they make consecutive interpretation or if they translate documents, treaties, agreements or even emails as part of those negotiations.
Their goal is to accurately express in another language the same ideas that were originally expressed while preserving the author’s intent and vision and avoiding their own value judgments or opinions.
Thus, words can transform into a powerful and defining weapon that could lead to establish if the conflict continues or if the concerned parties get to reach an agreement to end it once and for all.
A WEAPON TO END ALL CONFLICTS
When it comes to armed conflicts it is impossible not to think about weapons.
Weapons are used to fight. Weapons are used to win. Isn’t it?
Weapons, weapons, and more weapons.
A word we have heard ever since we have memory.
A word that immediately draws an image in our minds.
I bet that the classic image of a firearm pops up in your heads as you read this.
Am I right?
When it comes to armed conflicts, however, there are many types of weapons.
And I’m not talking about classic weapons (machine guns, knives, grenades, missiles, or any other kind you are probably thinking about as you read this).
I am talking about language.
Yes, language can be one of the most powerful weapons when dealing with an armed conflict.
Just as good communication can accomplish more than any effective weapon.
Nonetheless, getting to “talk” is extremely hard during the course of a conflict! Don’t you think so?
Especially considering how hard it is for human beings to communicate with each other.
Normally, communication is a big issue.
It’s challenging for couples, for family relatives, even for best friends.
In general, coming to an understanding is not an easy deal.
Much less if there is a conflict involved.
If we add up the barrier of language to this equation, it becomes even harder!
And if we consider cultural differences on top of this — Houston, we have a problem!
Thus, good and appropriate communication in armed conflicts is key to resolve them.
Otherwise, I am sure that this may cause more damage (or accomplish more positive results, depending on the case) than any weapon.
If we see it this way, another kind of “soldier” shows up.
One that has been trained precisely to use this different type of weapon we have been discussing about.
This soldier, known to all as translator or interpreter, has a critical mission in armed conflicts. This soldier must carefully select the right approach, tone, cultural nuances, and words to enable an appropriate comprehension of the positions expressed by all parties involved.
They must be objective and professional.
They must understand the context.
They must be familiar with the culture.
They must know how to place themselves in both space and time.
It does not matter if they make consecutive interpretation or if they translate documents, treaties, agreements or even emails as part of those negotiations.
Their goal is to accurately express in another language the same ideas that were originally expressed while preserving the author’s intent and vision and avoiding their own value judgments or opinions.
Thus, words can transform into a powerful and defining weapon that could lead to establish if the conflict continues or if the concerned parties get to reach an agreement to end it once and for all.
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