What Does an Interpreter Do?

Many people get confused as to the difference between an interpreter and a translator. There is a common tendency to think translators interpreter, or that interpreters translate. In fact, the two are very separate jobs requiring different skills. To explain who and/or what an interpreter as opposed to a translator we set out the main differences between interpreting and translation.

Interpreting vs. Translation

On a basic level it would appear that there is little difference between an interpreter and a translator. One translates spoken words and the other written words. However, the differences in how the job is carried out, the pressures, requirements, skills and talents are many.

A translator must be able to write well and be able to express words, phrases, innuendos and other linguistic nuances between languages on paper. A translator has the luxury of time, resources (dictionaries, etc), reference material and the freedom to take a break when needed. Their pressures are relatively limited.

Translators only work into their native languages to assure accuracy in both linguistic and cultural senses. Translators therefore, it could be argued, are not completely bilingual. They may be able to deal effectively with written sources but when it comes to orally translating, it is a different skill.

A translator therefore has a one dimensional aspect to their work. They deal with written words and language that come from paper and return to paper.

An interpreter, on the other hand, has to be able to translate spoken words in two directions. They do this using no resources or reference material bar their knowledge and expertise. An interpreter is required to find linguistic solutions to problems on the spot. The pressure therefore can be quite intense.

In addition to interpreting, the interpreter must also act as a bridge between people, relaying tone, intentions and emotions. Where an interpreter is caught between cross fire they need to demonstrate great professionalism and diplomacy. Their roles are therefore much more complex as they have to deal with both language and people.

What does an Interpreter do?

There are two ways of interpreting known as consecutive and simultaneous.

Simultaneous interpreting involves interpreting in 'real time'. Many would have seen an interpreter sitting in a booth wearing a pair of headphones and speaking into a microphone at a conference or large diplomatic meeting such as the EU or UN. A simultaneous interpreter has the unenviable task of quickly digesting what one person is saying before immediately translating it to others. One of the key skills simultaneous interpreters must demonstrate is decisiveness. They must think quickly and on their feet.

Consecutive interpreting is carried out in face to face meetings, speeches or court cases. A speaker will usually stop at regular junctures, say every few sentences, and have the interpreter translate, before proceeding. A key skill involved in consecutive interpreting is the ability to remember what has been said.

What do you need?

In short, if you need someone to translate something that is written you need the services of a translator. If you need someone to translate the spoken word, you need an interpreter.

Neil Payne is Director of Kwintessential, a London based consultanct providing a range of cross cultural service including interpreters: http://www.kwintessential.co. uk/translation/interpretation.html

English-language bookstore moves in
Boston Globe, United States - 5 hours ago
It has been years since Lawrence has had an English-language bookstore. That's about to change, as a well-known used bookstore in North Reading shuts its ...

Baseball teams work hard to knock down language barrier
Toledo Blade, OH - 3 hours ago
By JOE VARDON The corner television inside the Mud Hens clubhouse is usually - but not always - set to Telemundo, a popular Spanish-language network. ...

‘Your home should speak your language’
Times of India, India - 3 hours ago
An individual’s home should speak his language. The most important thing is that one should be true to oneself while designing a home. ...

Love proves the universal language at Indian weddings
Detroit Free Press, United States - 6 hours ago
(Smitha, who is fluent in her parents' native language of Telugu, was born in Detroit and raised in Bloomfield Hills.) "There's the cultural aspect that's ...

Sun-Sentinel.com
Hearing impaired advocates angry that Palm Beach County may drop ...
Sun-Sentinel.com, FL - Jul 5, 2008
By Mark Hollis | South Florida Sun-Sentinel Allan H. Karp, 59, of Lake Worth, uses sign language to express the need for sign language interpreters durng ...

Mind your Burns language
Scotsman, United Kingdom - 14 hours ago
The language is absolute rubbish. Frankly, I expect this to be comparable. It will be done in the best Sconglish, as also will be the Scotch poems. ...

AFP
Malaysian, Singaporean scoop top honours at 'Chinese-language Grammys'
AFP - 20 hours ago
... singer Gary Chaw and Tanya Chua of Singapore scooped top honours Saturday at Taiwan's Golden Melody Awards, dubbed the Chinese-language Grammys. ...

Patois as language or broken English?
Jamaica Observer, Jamaica - Jul 3, 2008
Suddenly it seems the old debate on the status of our primary mode of expression as a legitimate language versus what has been called the "accepted" English ...

The Associated Press
Jamaican Bible better than Scots
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - Jul 4, 2008
So-called patois is a perfectly respectable language. You could accurately call it a creole, as long as that did not sound like a pejorative term. ...
Religion in the news The Associated Press
'Luke's gospel in patois by year-end' Jamaica Observer
all 44 news articles

In any language, 63 worth a 'Wow'
Press & Sun-Bulletin, NY - Jul 4, 2008
By Charlie Jaworski • Press & Sun-Bulletin • July 5, 2008 ENDICOTT -- John Harris, a senior touring professional golfer from Edina, Minn., wistfully smiled ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Can You Understand English?