The Linguist’s Story

Every month, we get to know a bit more about one of our linguists. This month, we meet Andrea Szabo, a linguist working in Hungarian. 

Tell us about the work you do at TLS.

I work as a remote Hungarian interpreter. I work across various settings: NHS appointments, public sector and social services settings, bridging the gap between the service user and the service provider.  My role is important and requires accuracy and to be able to share the correct meaning with the service user.

What’s been your favourite project at TLS?

There is not a single project that I would say was my favourite one. I would say that I enjoyed them all, as I have learnt new things and information about the environment in which my support was needed to share communication between professionals and the service user.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Challenging situations can arise during an interpreting assignment, particularly when service users are angry or struggling with strong emotions.

As an interpreter, it is my responsibility to always remain impartial and professional. I must not take a service user’s anger personally or allow it to affect the quality of my interpreting.

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

I do hope i have made a difference to someone’s life, when I have interpreted in many mental health appointments and the service user was able to put his/her message across to the professional with the aid of a professional Hungarian interpreter.