Those of you who work as language translators/interpreters (or have in the past), what is the most awkward/uncomfortable conversation that you have had to convey?

I’m a Mandarin phone interpreter.

A police officer calls in, asks me to assist with translating through speakerphone at an allegedly illegal massage parlor. Officer tells me two of the masseuses there offered sexual favors in exchange for cash by a plainclothes officer who visited earlier, so now the police are there to arrest them.

The first masseuse denied everything, the second masseuse is where things got interesting.

(PO - police officer, M - masseuse)

PO: A plainclothes officer was here earlier, and you offered to give him a handjob in exchange for cash.

M: Yes yes probably gesturing too at the same time because of what the PO said next

PO: No, no I think she misunderstood what I just said. It looks like she thinks I want a handjob, tell her I don’t want that. And please repeat what I said earlier to her, and ask if she understands.

M: no response

Me: Sir, I’m getting no verbal response

PO: That’s fine. Let her know I’m putting her under arrest now reads Miranda rights

So yep. By far the most memorable conversation I’ve had to assist with.

/r/AskReddit Thread