As a translator, I have been repeatedly faced with the moral, ethical and social "Mystery of the Straight Translation." Within the Bujinkan, Doron, Ben and others have their own styles. I would like to relate some points which will help you formulate questions at Tai Kai and seminars. Of course, you're all going to Tai Kai, right!!

The dilemma involves whether to translate questions and answers literally. While a translator has time to massage the written word, an interpreter serves as a living bridge between two or more people. She must take one language and convert it into a reasonable facsimile of another instantaneously. This manipulation of language is incredibly exciting and a great way to meet all of you interesting people out there, but it has it's drawbacks. One of these is the "blame the messenger" syndrome. The old evil eye for interpretation not to the listener's liking. Having received evil eyes from both sides of the equation, I learned to avoid even thinking when I translate. In this way, there is no friction on the line, no sense that anyone is speaking but the two in conversation. I do this so that you can hear a pin drop when the call comes through!

In my humble opinion, there are times when only straight transmission will do. When I translate for senior students, this is my policy. I remove my sense of self from the discussion entirely -- it is not my place to add commentary. An occasional laugh at a good joke, notwithstanding. I'm human, I laugh when something is funny, but on the whole I keep my little nose out of it. So, don't be surprised if nothing remains actively stored on my brain 5 minutes later.

However, there are also times when it is impossible to translate word-for-word, such as when the instructor does not provide a break in his discussion. In that case, the interpreter really earns her keep, because she must not only remember what was said and get it out quickly, but simultaneously listen to what is being said. Sometimes, I must translate using experience and understanding of the person for whom I am translating. This is why I like to meet as many people as possible, because if I know you, I may be able to anticipate an answer. Then, for the sake of expediency, I can summarize to get at what seems to be the root of the question. It's a never-ending, delicious challenge.

Bujinkan training is quite physical, so translation is usually necessary only for minute points. At Tai Kai, I will be helping with exactly these things aspects. Those with experience learn to learn with their bodies (often painfully), but they also will need clear explanations to last another year. Hatsumi-sensei is quite famous for giving quick answers when he perceives a student to be in over his head, so please leave the complex questions to senior students. Manaka-sensei, Doron-san and others, on the other hand, appear quite willing to entertain "young" questions, with a sense of humor. Gage your question to the instructor.

Bottom-line: think before you ask. Is the answer is obvious? Can you obtain the information from a senior student who speaks your language? Some people seem to ask questions just to be noticed or to seem more advanced. Avoid this, it's obnoxious, and more than one senior student has been embarrassed because of this type of thing. Once you have decided to ask, though, don't be shy. Speak directly to the instructor, and ignore the translator, unless you need clarification. It's YOUR relationship and training at stake.

Shidoshi Regina Brice's primary life skills are in law (int'l corporate and family) and Japanese translation. She uploads legal FAQs to rec.martial-arts (a newsgroup on the internet) every few weeks. "A Martial Artist's Guide To American Law" (560 pages) is now $50; those who've already bought it will receive the first-year update free. She translates letters @ $25/page and does seminar interpretation @ $250/day + expenses. She will also paraphrase Japanese books ($50 per original page) but Soke's works are for individual instructor use only. In spite of her "slacker" front, a training group has re-formed on Sunday AM; she's flexible if you're out that way. She may be contacted via E-mail: Happo@aol.com, or write Regina Brice, P.O. Box 87, Oberlin, OH 44074.