“The provision of a “bilingual friend” is often-preferred-by non- or limited English speakers.” Discuss-why you think this-option-is-preferred and what the implications of using a “bilingual friend” can be-in-the interpreting process.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Preference for a “Bilingual Friend” in Interpreting
Introduction
In today’s globalized world, language barriers often hinder effective communication between individuals who do not share a common language. This is particularly true for non-English speakers or those with limited English proficiency. To bridge this gap, various options are available, including professional interpreters, translation apps, and language courses. However, a notable preference exists among individuals for a “bilingual friend” as their go-to choice in the interpreting process. This essay will explore the reasons behind this preference and discuss the potential implications of using a “bilingual friend” in interpreting situations.
Thesis Statement
The provision of a “bilingual friend” is often preferred by non- or limited English speakers due to familiarity, trust, and cost-effectiveness. However, while relying on a “bilingual friend” may seem convenient, it can also lead to inaccuracies, misinterpretations, and potential ethical concerns.
Familiarity and Trust
One of the primary reasons individuals prefer a “bilingual friend” as an interpreter is the existing relationship and familiarity they share. This familiarity creates a sense of comfort and trust, as the non-English speaker feels more at ease communicating in their native language. Having a friend who understands their cultural background and linguistic nuances can help mitigate any potential misunderstandings that might arise when working with professional interpreters or unfamiliar individuals. The shared bond and trust established over time can enhance communication and contribute to a more accurate interpretation process.
Cost-Effectiveness
Another significant factor driving the preference for a “bilingual friend” is cost-effectiveness. Hiring professional interpreters can be expensive, especially for individuals with limited financial resources. In contrast, relying on a friend’s assistance as an interpreter eliminates the need to pay for professional services. This cost-saving aspect is particularly crucial for non-English speakers who frequently require interpretation services but cannot afford them. As a result, utilizing a “bilingual friend” becomes an accessible and affordable option.
Implications of Using a “Bilingual Friend”
While the use of a “bilingual friend” may seem advantageous, it is important to consider the potential implications that can arise during the interpreting process. These implications primarily revolve around accuracy, neutrality, and ethical concerns.
Accuracy: Although a “bilingual friend” may possess fluency in both languages, they may lack professional training in interpreting techniques and may not be familiar with specialized vocabulary or terminology. This can lead to inaccuracies or misinterpretations, potentially affecting the quality of communication between parties involved.
Neutrality: An interpreter’s role includes maintaining impartiality and neutrality by faithfully conveying messages without personal bias. However, a “bilingual friend” may have personal connections or emotional involvement with one or both parties, which can compromise their ability to remain neutral. This subjectivity can hinder effective communication and lead to potential misunderstandings or conflicts.
Ethical Concerns: Engaging a “bilingual friend” as an interpreter raises ethical concerns, particularly regarding confidentiality and privacy. Professional interpreters are bound by strict codes of ethics that prioritize client confidentiality. However, friends may unintentionally or intentionally disclose sensitive information due to their pre-existing relationship, potentially jeopardizing privacy.
Conclusion
The preference for a “bilingual friend” in the interpreting process is driven by familiarity, trust, and cost-effectiveness. However, it is important to recognize the potential implications that come with relying on an untrained individual for interpretation services. While a “bilingual friend” may provide ease of communication and affordability, they may not possess the necessary skills or impartiality required for accurate interpretation. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between convenience and accuracy by considering professional interpreters when accuracy and neutrality are paramount, while utilizing a “bilingual friend” in less formal contexts where trust and familiarity are essential.
