FAQs

FAQs

What is the difference between translation and interpretation?

Translation is the transferring of written materials from one language into another. Interpretation is the transferring of oral messages from one language into another. There are many modes of interpretation. For a consecutive interpretation, the interpreter listens to a short message, possibly taking notes, and the speaker pauses to allow the interpreter to relay the message in short pieces. Simultaneous interpretation is done at the United Nations, for example, when interpreters sit in booths with headsets and speak in the target language while listening in the source language. Telephonic interpretation is what its name indicates, interpretation done over the phone so clients need not all be in the same place. Liaison interpretation is when an interpreter accompanies a client to meetings or other events. Whispering, or chuchotage, is when an interpreter is only needed for one to three people and simply simultaneously passes the message on to the clients without the use of any equipment. Finally, community interpreting is a term used to define interpretation done in hospitals, airports or other less formal settings but may be a combination of any type previously mentioned. Each type of interpretation requires a specific set of skills. Many skills overlap between translation and interpretation, but not all translators interpret and not all interpreters translate.

Why do I need a "professional" translator or interpreter?

Translation and interpretation (T&I) is a field like any other, in which training and expertise are essential for excellence. It requires explicit knowledge of not only the source and target languages, but the culture in which they function and a grasp of the subject matter. The slightest mistranslation or incorrect interpretation could change meaning in vital ways. You wouldn't hire an "amateur" doctor, builder or accountant, so it only makes sense to entrust your communication to a communication expert. (See the final FAQ.)

Aren't machine translations just as good?

While machine translations can be useful tools for transferring the gist of a message, they remain vastly inaccurate and inefficient. Language is a human activity and no computer has the creative capacity of the human brain. As just one tiny example, consider the difference between a "wise man" and a "wise guy." Machine translations are incapable of translating many such subtle distinctions. For personal use, it can be handy, but it should be avoided for any and all professional purposes. Texts of any length will end up sounding choppy and most often containting serious errors.

Can anyone who is bilingual translate or interpret?

Unfortunately, all too often people are called on to be ad-hoc interpreters in situations that can actually be dangerous or harmful for those involved. For one thing, just speaking a language doesn't mean you know all the terminology necessary to reliably communicate a message. In your own language, could you explain a detailed cancer diagnosis? An immigrant's legal rights? The physics of an airplane? There are many fields and vocabularies that are unfamiliar to the average person, no matter how many languages they speak! Interpreters are more than speakers of multiple languages. They invest time and energy into understanding specific fields so that when called upon they have all the knowledge necessary. Children should never be asked to interpret for parents as they may lack the linguistic knowledge to do so and certainly lack the emotional maturity and comprehension often required for relaying a technical or emotionally sensitive message. Untrained ad-hoc interpreters may leave out parts of the message they deem "inappropriate," "too complicated," or even "unnecessary." A professional interpreter knows the importance of relaying the entire message and solemnly tasks to do so using the appropriate vocabulary, register and emotion. A professional interpreter will speak in the first person, saying "I" to indicate that they are repeating exactly what was said by the original speaker without adapting it in any way. Trained interpreters know how to ensure that everyone is heard and understood and balance the rights and responsibilities of all parties to a conversation.

The same can be said for translation. Having a dictionary is not enough. Terminology requires research and familiarity with the multiple settings in which one word can be used. How do you choose the right one? Translators also have a legal liability to make texts as accurate as possible so they can serve the same function in both languages. It is unwise for someone to translate complicated documents simply because they speak the languages necessary. The subject matter should be considered the third language in the mix and respected as such.

That being said, yes, anyone who speaks multiple languages can certainly educate themselves, train and practice to become a professional translator and/or interpreter. There are programs offered throughout the US and in the countries of the other languages spoken. T&I is a growing field, in numbers and importance, and more books are written every day on how to provide the best language services and ensure you are receiving them!