In over 50 years of walking this fascinating and demanding path of conference interpreting, I have often heard a phrase that stayed with me:
This is a throat‑cut profession.
These were the words—half‑joking, half‑serious—of Dr. Juan Luis Álvarez Gayou, former director of the Instituto de Intérpretes y Traductores in Mexico City, and himself an accomplished interpreter.
What did he mean?
He was referring to the fierce competitiveness within our field—a world where quality is everything, mistakes are instantly visible, and the pressure to prove “who’s best in the booth” can sometimes bring out the worst in human nature.
I’ve seen rivalries turn into ego duels, where solidarity fades in the pursuit of recognition. I’ve also seen colleagues subtly question, judge, or even sabotage the work of others.Not everyone, of course. There are interpreters who embody ethics, collaboration, and generosity. But the dark side exists, and denying it would be naïve.
Over the years, I’ve learned something:
- Competition without values erodes our profession.
- Generosity and teamwork build reputation and long‑term trust.
- And the interpreter’s true rival isn’t their booth partner… but their own limits, every single day.
Perhaps that’s why, half a century later, I am still struggling not to fall into the “throat‑cutting” trap and betting on a community of interpreters who, despite differences, can grow together.
What do you think? Have you experienced it?
Sergio is a chemical microbiologist, licensed interpreter, and the founding president of Colegio Mexicano de Intérpretes de Conferencias.
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