Articles » Interpretation and Translation

On the surface, the difference between interpreting and translation is only the difference in the medium: the interpreter translates orally, while a translator interprets written text. Both interpreting and translation presuppose a certain love of language and deep knowledge of more than one tongue. However, the differences in the training, skills, and talents needed for each job are vastly diferent.The key skill of a very good translator is the ability to write well, to express him/herself clearly in the target language. That is why professional translators almost always work in only one direction, translating only into their native language. Even bilingual individuals rarely can express themselves in a given subject equally well in two languages. And many excellent translators are far from being bilingual - they may not be, and need not be, fluent speakers of the source language (the language of the original text being translated).

The key skills of the translator are the ability to understand the source language and the culture of the country where the text originated, and, using a good library of dictionaries and reference materials, render that material into the target language. However, the differences in skills are arguably greater than similarities. The key skills of the translator are the ability to understand the source language and the culture of the country where the text originated, and, using a good library of dictionaries and reference materials, render that material clearly and accurately into the target language. In other words, while the linguistic and cultural skills are still critical, the most important mark of a good translator is the ability to write well in the target language.

Simultaneous interpreters need to process and memorize the words that the source-language speaker is saying, while simultaneously outputting in the target language the translation of words the speaker said 5-10 seconds ago. In addition, interpreters have to possess excellent public speaking skills, and the intellectual capacity to instantly transform idioms, colloquialisms and other culturally-specific references into analogous statements the target audience will understand. Interpreting, just like translation, is, fundamentally, the art of paraphrasing ¨C the interpreter listens to a speaker in one language, grasps the content of what is being said, and then paraphrases his or her understanding of the meaning using the tools of the target language. But just as you can not explain to someone a thought if you did not fully understand that thought, neither can you translate or interpret something without mastery of the subject matter being relayed. It simply can not be overstated: when choosing an interpreter, his or her expert knowledge of the subject matter is equally as important as the interpreting experience.

Interpreter Qualifications¡¤    Thorough knowledge of the general subject of the speeches to be interpreted.¡¤    Intimate familiarity with both cultures.¡¤    Extensive vocabulary in both languages.¡¤    Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely in both languages.¡¤    Excellent note-taking techniques for consecutive interpreting.¡¤  A minimum of 2-3 years of booth experience for simultaneous interpreting.