‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

alejandrom — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:16:42 GMT

It's so wonderful to see such a smart, passionate and dedicated U.S. Government employee. I'm so glad he is one of our representatives in China - a truly fine American diplomat.

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

Vincent Chu, Las vegas, Nevada — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:22:32 GMT

I finished my grade school and high school in a protestant Chinese school in Manila, Philippines long time ago. We were required to attend Sunday bible school during school year and the bibles are part of school curriculum. During Sunday mass, I heard a lot of American Missionaries (formerly assigned to mainland China before Communist takeover), preaching fluently in Mandarin. I wonder whether they have disciples that follow their footsteps and are they still around?

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

Mike, Portland, OR — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:38:45 GMT

I must agree that Chinese, as well as other Asian languages, are not overly difficult to master, though they require much more study of the written language. More Americans need to become fluent in foreign languages, particularly if we are to succeed in this new century, so that we can work as partners with other countries. While Americans do have a wide selection of languages they can study, most public, and some private, educational institutions have very little choice, often limiting one to Spanish or French. In addition, many Americans see little need to attain fluency in a foreign language (much less their own), and with it, see little need to study about their cultures and people.

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

Nicholas — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:40:59 GMT

The protaginist of John le Carré's recent novel "The Mission Song" is a top-level interpreter. I recommend it if you're interested in this article.

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

Matt, Montana — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:41:22 GMT

I would've gladly learned Spanish or French (I live 60 miles from Canada), but our school only taught German. Our town is so small that they teach whatever a teacher knows. I agree that we should become more bilingual in this country, but I also believe we need to make English our primary language. Most of the developed world speaks English (at least in international business). I talk to people in India, Germany, and many other countries and they speak English. It's just like if I went to live in China they would expect me to speak Chinese. Glad to know there is people out there like Jim.

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

GREG PA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 22:44:01 GMT

I agree, more americans need to learn other languages. We can think like our enemies, we can act like our enemies, but unless we learn their languages, we cannot crush them.

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

John Zulli, San Luis Obispo, CA — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:10:00 GMT

While it would be great for Americans to learn a foreign language many need to start by learning to speak English correctly. As for Jim Brown, it is always remarkable to see a master at work. More remarkable is that he is working for us. Thank you Mr. Brown!

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

P L Kolo — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:12:22 GMT

thank you for following up on an interesting, tho not "newsworthy" story. We would all benefit from culture and language studies, whether Asian, Middle-Eastern, European, or Western.

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

Cyndie, Brunswick, GA — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:15:20 GMT

I related well to Jim's comments in this article as I am a sign language interpreter of the Deaf. Although I am 50 years old, I am continuing my education in my field. This profession is young and opportunities for education at the collegiate level are relatively new. I am "qualified" at the state level to interpret but am still striving for national certification. It's refreshing to hear your passion to continually improve your skills. And, as I too have said many times, being "invisible" (to see the communcation between those of differing languages flow smoothly) is the greatest compliment!

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

Bob, Beijing, China — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 03:19:55 GMT

Sweet Dude, sweet....

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

JWF — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 04:23:28 GMT

I would beg to differ on the remark that Chinese is no more difficult to learn than any other language. As a Westerner, the language is HARD because the words have no linguistic reference point to English they way other European languages do. Chinese is the hardest written language to learn while English is the hardest spoken language to learn given the range of vocabulary and grammar used. Chinese has a very limited vocabulary, by comparison. I know, I live in China. It might have been easy for this guy, but don't be fooled.

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

(John Doe, Seattle, Wash.) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 05:09:16 GMT

What's the big deal? So what....the guy can speak Mandarin? Are we a country of idiots? No, we're not.

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

T. Adams, Beijing — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 05:40:57 GMT

Some people have a natural ability to learn other languages. Not all people have that talent. To say Chinese is not difficult to learn is far too simple and very wrong for the majority of us. It is difficult. A word and/or character learned is changed the moment another character is added in front or behind. Each word has a multiple number of homonyms. The pitch (tone) of the word completely changes the meaning, for example: the word "ma" has seven unrelated meanings, some with the identical tone, which changes again once another character is added.

I believe that an American that learns Chinese well enough to translate is nothing short of miraculous. There are many living here in China, and I admire them. I have been here 6 years and while I can get around, and say a few necessary phrases, all the classes and lessons have pretty much been a loss.

I do not trust Chinese translations as the Chinese are not likely to translate what you say if it is confrontational or impolite by their way of thinking. I have experienced this when trying to negotiate with officials and have often been told: "I cannot say that, he/she is a leader." They will often edit what you say in the manner that they will nearly always tell you what they think you want to hear, instead of perhaps the truth under questionable circumstances. They do not like confrontation.

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

Gary from Brea — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 06:46:27 GMT

Mike from Portland - Many Brits also see little need to attain fluency in a foreign language, as do many Japanese, many Afghanis, many Swedes, many Mexicans, many Canadians, many Italians, many Ukranians, many...

Go ahead, though - feel free to bash away, we're getting quite used to it by now. :)

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

Jason, Pullman, Washington — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 07:33:36 GMT

Is there some reason the author refers to Jim Brown by his first name? Are they acquaintances or relatives? If not, the informality seems misplaced.

‘Mystery’ interpreter reveals disappearing act

Pia Rome Italy — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:22:52 GMT

For what I'seing around the World our US kids as well as the Italian's do not have knowleged of other peoples Lenguages ...even the Street begers in India and other Country's know how to do so in English...
It is all about caring and wanting to expand your Horizon's...?
Being a very poor girl from Colombia having to work always... only being able to finish 5th grade elementary school I have learned 3 other lenguages...
working on more ...it is a choice...?
and has nothing to do with anything else...
Comunication is important always in any situacion or lenguage...? Happy Holidays from Italy
Pia