Summary of NPR's Book of the Day Episode: "The Interpreter" by Olivia Abtahi

NPR's Book of the Day, hosted by Andrew Limbong and Scott Tong, delves into compelling literary works, offering listeners insightful discussions and deep analyses. In the February 6, 2025 episode, the focus is on Olivia Abtahi's poignant picture book, "The Interpreter", which explores the nuanced roles children often assume in immigrant families as translators and cultural mediators.

Introduction to "The Interpreter"

Andrew Limbong opens the episode by sharing a personal anecdote that sets the stage for the book’s central theme. He recounts how, growing up, his non-English-speaking mother would rely on him to translate medical reports, highlighting a common experience among children of immigrants:

Andrew Limbong [00:02]: "That experience of being the voice for your non-English speaking parents is a pretty universal one among kids of immigrants. And it's the plot of the new picture book titled The Interpreter written by Olivia Abtahi."

Exploring Cecilia’s Role

Scott Tong introduces Olivia Abtahi, the author of "The Interpreter," and delves into the main character's responsibilities within her family. Cecilia, a young girl, serves as the bridge between her Spanish-speaking parents and the English-speaking world, taking on tasks typically handled by adults.

Scott Tong [01:24]: "Olivia Abtahi explores this theme of kid translators and interpreters in her new picture book debut. The book for children is called The Interpreter and it's out today."

Olivia elaborates on Cecilia's duties:

Olivia Abtahi [02:17]: "Cecilia is an interpreter where she's translating English to Spanish for her parents and the rest of her family. So she is basically having what is a very adult job in the body of a child."

Author’s Personal Insights and Inspirations

Olivia shares her personal background, enriching the narrative with her own experiences as a child interpreter in a multicultural household. Her father hails from Iran, and her mother from Argentina, creating a rich tapestry of languages and cultures that necessitated Cecilia's role.

Olivia Abtahi [04:38]: "My dad is originally from Iran and my mom is originally from Argentina. There were still a lot of cultural things between all three of the languages our household had that definitely needed a little bit more clarification."

She recounts a childhood memory that mirrors Cecilia’s challenges:

Olivia Abtahi [05:08]: "When it came time to change, I basically had what's we would now call a nightgown or a dressing gown. And the other troop leaders looked at me like, sweetie, we meant like long johns or thermals."

Themes of Cultural and Language Barriers

The conversation highlights the intricate balance children like Cecilia must maintain between their cultural heritage and the demands of their new environment. The green suit Cecilia wears symbolizes the oversized responsibilities thrust upon her.

Scott Tong [07:46]: "Cecilia is telling the world that this is too much. This is a full-time job for adults."

Olivia expands on the societal expectations and pressures:

Olivia Abtahi [07:58]: "Having parents who don't speak English or like, you know, good American English, if you will, can definitely give you a lot of anxiety."

Emotional Impact on Child Interpreters

The episode delves into the emotional toll these responsibilities take on children. Feelings of anxiety, shame, and guilt are prevalent as they navigate adult tasks while yearning to embrace their childhood.

Olivia Abtahi [07:58]: "Having parents who don't speak English or like, you know, good American English, if you will, can definitely give you a lot of anxiety."

Cecilia's frustration culminates in a powerful moment where she expresses her desire to simply be a child:

Olivia Abtahi [07:46]: "At that moment, Cecilia is telling the world that this is too much. This is a full time job for adults."

Depiction of Parents and Family Dynamics

A pivotal aspect of "The Interpreter" is its respectful portrayal of parents. Olivia ensures that Cecilia's parents are depicted with dignity, emphasizing that their reliance on their daughter does not stem from incompetence but from the challenges of assimilation and cultural translation.

Olivia Abtahi [11:10]: "These parents aren't clueless. They know what's going on, but they just need that extra push, you know, for some of these cultural and language moments."

The illustrations by Monica Arnaldo further reinforce the parents' agency and strength, presenting them as capable individuals who are navigating a new world alongside their children.

Conclusion: A Reflection on Filial Piety and Growth

The episode concludes by addressing the sense of duty children feel towards their immigrant parents, a theme deeply embedded in many first-generation families. Olivia emphasizes the importance of support systems in alleviating the burdens placed on young interpreters, allowing both children and parents to grow and adapt together.

Olivia Abtahi [09:51]: "For a lot of children of immigrants, just having parents who came to the United States to give us a better life gives us such a sense of duty and of feeling like we owe our parents everything."

In "The Interpreter," Olivia Abtahi masterfully captures the delicate interplay between duty and the innocence of childhood, offering a narrative that resonates with many and fosters empathy and understanding.

About the Book: The Interpreter is Olivia Abtahi's debut picture book, beautifully illustrated by Monica Arnaldo. It poignantly portrays the lives of children in immigrant families who navigate the complexities of cultural and language barriers, balancing their roles as translators with their desire to embrace childhood.