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Translating

From: WAMU
Length: 00:03:45

Carlos reports on his and his friends' experiences as translators for their families. Read the full description.
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Piece Description

Almost 50 million people in the US live in households where a language other than English is spoken. Often it’s the children in these homes who learn English most quickly…and are set to the task of translating day-to-day life for the rest of the family. Adults who study this issue often have conflicting views about whether and when children should be put in that position. But Youth Voices reporter Carlos Guzman wanted to find out what the kids had to say about it.

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Review of Translating

Carlos Guzman, a Latino living in the US, reflects on the experience of being the best English speaker in his home. Voices of other young people, the social worker at Guzman's school, and a UCLA professor provide a multifaceted look at the extra responsibilities of kids who are translators for their parents.

The story is clear and concise, but it lacks the tension that would be revealed if we heard first person accounts of what happened when young people were asked to translate in adult situations such as doctor's visits.

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Review of Translating

This amazingly insightful piece gives a valuable and rare perspective heard on the radio. The children of immigrants explore the impacts of constantly translating for their parents will have on them and their lives. The piece is complemented by multiple insights and wonderful audio.

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Review of Translating

While listening to this piece I was struck with how much these kids are having to give up in order to help their parents (non-English speaking immigrants) with seemingly trivial issues. As a servicemember who has lived abroad, I can sympathize with the parents. It was rough weening myself away from the base I was assigned to and feeling comfortable in asking simple questions and understanding the answers that came my way. But in the end - in order for me to get the most out of my experience, I had to take that leap. The one thing I was wondering at the end was: What did the parents feel about relying on their children so much...?

Related Website

http://www.wamu.org/youthvoices