With just a few days to the climax of the 31st edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the euphoria is definitely building up in the Gabonese capital Libreville and elsewhere across the African continent and in the entire world.
Local residents and visitors alike just can’t wait to catch the colorful closing ceremony where they will be entertained to amazing performances from elite musicians on the continent.
For a tournament that has run for the past three weeks, it was a worthwhile moment and a life time experience to catch most of the games live.
The experience of reporting at least three hours prior to every match will definitely become a culture and norm for me even when I return home.
This necessitated the checking in at the media center for every match day to sign for the match day cards to have access to the media tribune at the stadium, press conference and mixed zone areas.
For any non-French speaking person who has been in Gabon, you cannot ignore the role that has been played by the language interpreters.
These were specifically employed by CAF and tournament local organizing committee, COCAN to help bridge the language gap.
Often, they have been strategically placed at Airports, stadia, railway stations, sea-port docking zones, hotels, public fans’ parks, media centers and at press conference.
One interpreter that caught my eye was Patrick Ondo Metogho who was stationed full-time at the Stade De L’Amitie in Libreville.
Metogho has been the most loved by Ugandan, Zimbabwean, Nigerian, Ghanaian, South African and UK based journalists that speak predominately the English language.
During every press conference for instance, Metogho has perfectly executed the task expected of him.
He has not disappointed at any one time and our work has progressed normally.
Even for cases where a third international language say Arabic, Spanish or Germany has been involved, Metogho is always up to the task.
One interesting scenario during interpretation has been during the Egypt press conference especially when head coach Raul Hector Cuper is addressing the media.
Cuper speaks in Spanish; his own interpreter translates to Arabic.
Another lady has to convert the message to English as Metogho does the same to translate the words again to French for the Franco-fone family.
Many journalists have enjoyed the Hector Cuper’s press conferences for the diversity of the languages.
Thanks to the diligent work of the interpreters, work has progressed as expected.
Universal language:
During shopping, at café and restaurants, negotiating for a taxi fare, at airports or even during private conversations with locals, in night clubs, the universal language of using signs has prevailed.
The sign language is very powerful and has often conveyed the message home especially when you encounter Spanish speaking citizens.
There are three matches that remain before the official climax of the tournament (one semifinal, third place play off and the final).
I bet the good work of the interpreters will continue, meanwhile the sign language also does the magic silently.
Of course, we (Anglo-fone speakers) have been forced to learn the basics of French the hard way.
For instance, now I can personally negotiate for a taxi fare, an item from the shop, greet, communicate where I am going, introduce and greet, as well as bid farewell to someone.
Till we meet again, Aurevoir…
