The Linguist’s Story – November

Every month, we get to know a bit more about one of our linguists. This month, we introduce you to Tamami, an interpreter working in Japanese. 

Tell us about the work you do for TLS.

I work for TLS as a Japanese interpreter, primarily within the medical sector (NHS). My assignments take place in a variety of settings, including GPs, hospitals, dental clinics, patients’ homes and care homes. I also provide interpreting services for local authorities, schools and government agencies when required. I provide translation services as well.

What’s been your favourite project at TLS?

Having obtained DPSI (Health) qualification, I specialise in the medical field and so I enjoy working in healthcare settings, assisting people with various illnesses as they communicate with health professionals during medical appointments gives me a profound sense of accomplishment.

What has been your biggest challenge?

One of the most significant challenges I encountered occurred when I was assigned to interpret for a female service user who had been sectioned (under the Mental Health Act).

My role was to interpret everything she said as accurately as possible, which was extremely challenging. Some sectioned patients also use strong or offensive language aggressively. In such cases, it is essential to interpret the language faithfully so that the medical team can accurately assess the patient’s mental state.

Although this experience was challenging, it provided me with valuable professional learning. I gained a deeper understanding of how to manage complex interpreting situations in mental health settings and learned two key safety principles: (1) never be alone with a sectioned patient, and (2) always maintain an appropriate distance and sit near the door in case of sudden aggression of a sectioned patient.

Overall, this was a demanding yet invaluable experience that strengthened both my interpreting skills and my awareness of safety in clinical environments.

Can you tell us about a time your work has made a difference to someone’s life?

I believe accuracy is extremely important, especially when interpreting patients’ symptoms. For example, there are many different types of pain: sharp pain, dull pain, stabbing pain, squeezing pain, stinging pain, throbbing pain, tight pain and so on. For doctors to provide proper treatment and prescribe the right medication, interpreters must convey patients’ words as precisely as possible. In this sense, I feel that every time I interpret for patients in medical settings, I am helping them to receive the correct treatment and improve their quality of life.

Tell us something interesting about you

I am originally from Tokyo, Japan, and have lived in the UK for 29 years. I have been working as a Japanese interpreter for 18 years and I also hold a postgraduate certificate in Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language. I have two grown-up children, one granddaughter and two Siamese cats. (I am a cat lover!) My hobbies are listening to music and watching films. Currently, I am learning Indonesian, having previously studied German and French, as I love exploring languages and the cultures they reflect. I enjoy meeting people and find great satisfaction in interpreting on behalf of TLS.