Glynis Jones

As a written translator, my work has spanned Daoist metaphysical texts to Slavic folktales. As an interpreter, I have worked with ages 5-90.

I believe in an approach to written translation that brings the reader to the text rather than bringing the text to the reader. Put another way, I seek to contextualize and explain historical, literary, and cultural ideas in footnotes and leave the translation of the text as close to the original as possible. When necessary, some translator’s notes can be included to explain what I believe the text is saying. I do not like to erase the original author’s words by re-writing the piece simply to make it easier for a modern western reader.

In spoken interpretation, I do not typically take a conference approach where the interpreter is merely a tool facilitating an unnatural A-then-B conversation. Instead, I prefer to interpret on topics where I have expertise, such that I can be part of the conversation and help guide both parties through moments of misunderstanding. In my interpreting in the Amherst Public Schools, this means that I often take on a role of private tutor in the classroom while assisting the student and family in communicating with the teachers and staff.