In its present phase it may be used to understand North Saami better, but it is not able to produce flawless Norwegian. If the Norwegian translation contains something you simply do not expect, you should look critically at result. Please keep in mind the following possible types of errors: Saami does not distinguish between 'he' and 'she'. If the text says 'he' it is then still possible that the text refers to a woman. Sami does not distinguish between definite and indefinite form, if a choice of definiteness would have given another meaning, you may not be sure that the translation is correct. When the program translates unknown compound words it translates the parts separately and put them together. Usually this gives the intended result, but Norwegian may also use a completely different word. You should in other words be cautious when interpreting compounds. All languages have words with more than one meaning. In such cases we try to find the correct meaning from from context, but we do not always succeed. If a particular translation is unexpected, it may thus be that we may have missed. For alternative translations, look up in a dictionary, for example in Neahttadigisánit. Why Giellatekno does not develop a translation program that translates from Norwegian to North Saami Norwegian and Saami are very different languages, and the quality of such a translated text would be far from what one could use as a publishable translation. Yet we fear that many would use the program in just such a way. The consequences of producing bad quality texts in a minority language are far worse than doing it in the majority language. Fewer persons are able to correct the text, and we run the risk of destroying the North Saami literary landscape. We hope this makes it easier for those who master Saami to write in Saami, now that they know that also Norwegian speakers may read the text using translation software.In Other Words A study of interpreting and power in Oslo Hilde Fiva The purpose of the present translation program, from North Saami to Norwegian, is to help those who do not understand Saami.

Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the Master’s Degree in Social Anthropology University of Oslo, Norway May 2006Ībstract This is a study of interpreting and power in Oslo. The thesis is based on fieldwork with participant observation from interpreted encounters in Oslo where the Norwegian state meets immigrants and foreigners. The official interpreter role prescription in Norway is strict and limited, yet, in observations of interpreted encounters, an ambiguous and complex interpreter role is apparent.

There is substantial flexibility in the interpreter role prescription and role performance. The interpreted encounters discussed in the thesis are between individuals (who are not proficient in Norwegian) and the Norwegian state.

In these encounters, the individuals are those who will suffer the gravest and most immediate consequences if the communication breaks down in one way or another. Therefore, those setting standards and developing structures for the provision of interpreting services exercise substantial power over individuals who are not proficient in Norwegian, their lives and their futures. There are multiple layers of power in interpreted encounters. The critical position of the interpreter in communication gives this person a great deal of power over the interaction that takes place. Interpreter users, and especially the public interpreter users, have substantial power in interpreted encounters. And finally, the structural power inherent in the cultural presumptions in the state’s public administration and administration of justice is integral in the power relations in interpreted encounters. Preface Interpreters in Oslo have been fantastic to study. Thank you for welcoming me into your work spaces and sharing your thoughts, feelings, experiences and ideas with me. The thesis would not have been possible to write without your cooperation and enthusiasm, and I am thoroughly impressed by the passion you have for the work you do! My supervisor, Geir Moshuus, has been a consistent source of encouragement and inspiration from the outset of this study.

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