I Write Shorthand
I came across All1Rog's post on *I write shorthand* and I became interested in knowing about anyone who is able to acquire such a skill. Then I realise that I am also interested in knowing how many of us are actually bilingual.
I attended a wine symposium in Italy recently. The lectures and debate were in French mostly. Most of the members/delegates who attended are from the EU and a handful from the USA, UK and Asia Pacific Zone.
I was so impressed to watch my friends switching from one language to another.when we dined together. From French to Italian or German and even in English language.
The most outstanding moment then was at the lecturehall to see a few of the delegates seated next to me writing shorthand, just like me taking notes. Theirs were neatly written in their notebooks whereas mine was haphazardly done.
I gasped in awe.
Suddenly I realised that the whole lecture was in French. I was writing it in French too but I saw the ones seated further to my right writing it in English as I glanced at their notes.
I realised they were wearing hearing device.
The WHOLE lecture was translated simultaneously from French to English and Italian by these two ladies!
They were seated at the back on a floor above us overlooking the forum. I gasped again.
I quickly ran outside to pick up the device as I was curious to find out if the translation was any good LOL. *Such a condescending remark*..But hey I was curious.
I listened to the translation and all I can say is this *WOW*. The translation was AWESOME. I do not think they had notes to guide them because the questions and answers were not rigged.
The jokes were even translated and so were the snide remarks and sarcasms.
THIS was INDEED a SKILL.
I commend these two ladies for a job well done! I have told them I will write a story on them on EP. Hopefully they will come in to take a look at it and the comments
We forget the people behind the stage/scene sometimes.
They make the world seem smaller--language is no longer a barrier to comprehending and reuniting friends and acquaintances.
Duchessforthright
