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.
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.
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...?
Comments for Translating
Produced by Carlos Guzman
Other pieces by WAMU
Rating Summary
3 comments
Kerry Seed
Posted on May 16, 2005 at 10:20 AM | Permalink
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.
Emily LaFond
Posted on April 27, 2005 at 04:22 PM | Permalink
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.
Theresa Verity
Posted on April 26, 2005 at 05:48 PM | Permalink
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...?