Abstrakt
This paper deals with the issue of interpreting in Namibia during its existence as a German colony. In 1884 the territory of present-day Namibia became a colony called German South West Africa.
One of the problems that the colonizers encountered was the linguistic and cultural differences that made communication between Germans and locals complicated, and at times impossible. Although the Colonial Administration em-phasized language training for both negotiating parties, in the end this turned out to be too ambitious and it proved necessary to use interpreting services, especially in the areas of justice, religion and diplomacy.As for justice, this was a form of today's court interpreting, with communication being facilitated in hearings and court proceedings.
Religious ceremonies would also be interpreted because it was important during sermons to properly explain Christian values to natives. In diplomacy, the interpreter was responsible for a favorable outcome of the negotiations.
This paper explores the role, status, working conditions and competences of interpreters in these areas.