The International Handicraft Fair of Ouagadougou (SIAO) has brought together artisans and visitors from various countries, but language barriers often complicate commercial exchanges. To address this issue, students in English from the University of Joseph-Ki-Zerbo have volunteered as interpreters for Ghanaian exhibitors. They facilitate communication, provide information to visitors, and promote products. This initiative enables artisans to focus on their work while ensuring effective communication with potential customers.
Rachidatou Ouédraogo, a third-year English student, is participating in the SIAO for the first time as an interpreter. She learned about the opportunity through a message shared among student groups. For her, this experience is a chance to apply her knowledge, improve her English skills, and assist exhibitors. Her role involves translating conversations, accompanying exhibitors during commercial activities, and presenting articles to visitors. This experience allows her to develop her language skills while contributing to the success of the event.
Like Rachidatou, Jean Bambara Zida, another third-year English student, was informed about the opportunity through a friend. After an interview with the organizers, he was selected to provide interpretation services between traders and clients. He also participates in product promotion. However, he notes that some negotiations can be challenging, particularly when visitors' price proposals do not meet the exhibitors' expectations. In such cases, he tries to find the best way to communicate effectively.
Esther Dabal, also an English student and interpreter, sees her participation in the SIAO as a learning experience. Although she sometimes encounters difficulties with certain expressions, she does not hesitate to ask exhibitors to rephrase their statements or use her phone to find the appropriate term. This approach enables her to enhance her vocabulary while facilitating exchanges between exhibitors and visitors.
Josias Bationo, another interpreter working with Ghanaian exhibitors, highlights the challenge of translating technical terms related to certain materials and artisanal products. He often seeks clarification from traders on the terms used in their language, which helps him enrich his knowledge. This experience not only improves his language skills but also broadens his understanding of various artisanal products.
The students appreciate the relationships they have established with exhibitors, who have welcomed them warmly and shown appreciation for their services. Their presence also attracts visitors to the Ghanaian stands. This mission, which is remunerated by the Ghanaian Embassy, mobilizes the students during the fair's working hours, which can extend from 8 am to 7 or 8 pm, depending on attendance.
For these young university students, the SIAO offers more than just a commercial event; it provides a platform for practical experience, discovery, and learning. By applying their knowledge in a concrete setting, they contribute to bridging cultural gaps and increasing visibility for Ghanaian artisans. Their efforts facilitate dialogue between exhibitors and visitors, promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Key points
- University students from Burkina Faso provide interpretation services for Ghanaian exhibitors at the SIAO.
- The initiative facilitates communication and promotes cross-cultural understanding between artisans and visitors.
- The experience offers students a valuable opportunity to apply their language skills and gain practical experience.
