UN: Language problem

Steve Torok, who worked for the UN, says of the UN translation problem: "The written text adopted is in one of the working languages, and takes precedence over translations. However others may protest the translations (the French often do, so do the Russians and Chinese sometimes)". RH: This is a sensitive business. Interpreters feel superior to translators because they have to be very quick, but it is the translator's written version which is the official text. Verba volant, scripta manent. It there are inconsistencies between the English and French texts, which takes precedence? Moreover all the members of the Security Council made speeches saying how they interpreted the text of the resolution against Iraq, so that the countries represented have an escape door.

Ronald Hilton - 11/18/02