A Matter of Interpretation

Was the fatal crash of EgyptAir Flight 990 cause by mechanical failure or was it an act of sabotage? The crux of the debate and the subsequent controversy centers on translation of an Arabic phrase uttered by the pilot. The New York Times article, “Arabic Speakers Dispute Inquiry’s Interpretation of Pilot’s Words” leads learners into a fascinating study of the power of language and the cultural understanding needed for translation.