Misha ( Mikhail's intimate name) was the interpreter who accompanied singer Duc Phuc during the recent singing competition in Russia.
Present at the final round of the " Intervision 2025" contest, watching with my own eyes, listening to Duc Phuc sing "Phu Dong Thien Vuong", I also burst into tears at the moment I heard Duc Phuc's name - winning the first prize of the contest.
As a companion of the singer since his first days in Russia, can you "reveal" some behind-the-scenes stories from the perspective of a young translator? What memorable memories did you have when you took him to visit Moscow?
- Duc Phuc loved Moscow so much that instead of just staying for 10 days as originally planned, I was able to accompany him for the entire 15 days. These 15 days are not simply a business trip, but an unforgettable journey for me. There were so many incidents during that time, so it was difficult to choose the most memorable memory.
We went with the group to Izmailovsky market, where I suggested that Duc Phuc try Russian ice cream. He liked it so much that he refused a visit to the History Museum, and was determined to make a croom journey in GUM - trying all the different flavors of ice cream. Duc Phuc's training schedule is dense, I always have to be by his side, both translating and supporting, ready to help the group in any situation. In the evening, the whole group always eats together.
He could "expose", why did Duc Phuc choose him as his interpreter?
- To be honest, I was not at all chosen to be an interpreter for the artist at first. My main role was only a servant, however, a previous interpreter of the Vietnamese delegation withdrew.
Realizing that my translating ability was quite good, I was asked to help translate for the Duc Phuc artist troupe. Of course, I did not hesitate and immediately agreed. During the work process, sometimes before I can find an interpreter, I support the dicher to help everyone.
Therefore, I believe that it is not just chance, but also courage to dare to take advantage of opportunities when they come.
What did you do to best prepare for work?
- To best prepare for work, having only enough capital for words is not enough, it is necessary to understand the sophistication of Vietnamese culture and the personality of artists. I have read many documents about Duc Phuc, read interviews to have a comprehensive view. But no matter how prepared, real life is always different. For me, Duc Phuc was truly a surprise - very open, sincere, kind, making me quickly feel close as a family member.
For you, and in your opinion, what is special about assisting artists in translating?
- Translating work when accompanying artists is completely different from regular translation - it is to always be there to support artists. I not only translate words, but also have to feel their mood, fatigue, and desire.
I have to follow the organizers' schedule and arrange the schedule for the artists. That is a big challenge: My mind is not only focused on the epidemic, but also on the daily life of the artist.
This was an invaluable experience that changed me a lot. Duc Phuc and his crew have become a real family.
It can be said that supporting and translating for Duc Phuc at the " Intervision 2025" contest also contributes to helping Russian audiences get closer to artists from Vietnam. In your opinion, how does Vietnam - Russia, Russia - Vietnam translating for artists contribute to the cultural exchange and development of the two countries of Russia and Vietnam?
- I think the role of interpreters in cultural projects is extremely important. Translators not only need to grasp the language, but also need to grasp the cultural characteristics of both sides. If technical translations need accuracy, cultural translations also need sophistication - must convey emotions, making words become vivid.
As I see it, language is like a knife - if not used, it will be stuck. Every practice opportunity is precious: Help your friends understand a small thing and then you will understand a big thing in the future.
Translating is not only accuracy, but also the art of communication. For example, in the Intervision 2025 contest, many translations, including me, deliberately looked a little better when broadcast live - keeping the same intention, but not forming every word. Because the most important thing is that the audience understands. Finally, don't be afraid of an epidemic of mistakes, if there are mistakes, there will be truths. The important thing is to be quick-witted and proactive. This quickness is only available when communicating a lot.
Translating for Duc Phuc - I have contributed to helping Russian audiences get closer to Vietnamese music, learning more about Vietnam. If in the first days someone asked me: "This artist from China, Korea or Vietnam?", then after 15 days, everyone knew that this was a Vietnamese artist.
In the future, if Duc Phuc returns to Russia, I am sure that many people will look forward to him.
Mikhail Osin is an example for a student, a young Vietnamese student who is active and willing to learn about Vietnamese culture; although he is only a 3rd year student, he has accumulated a lot of experience in Vietnamese - Russian translation. He had an internship in Vietnam for 1 year, traveling to dozens of provinces and cities.
