What we do
Interpreting? Translating? What’s the difference? Let’s get this straight…
Interpreters and translators alike are chiefly concerned with accurately conveying the meaning in another language, rather than simply replacing words of one language with those of another.
However, due to the immediacy of interpreting, beyond the purely linguistic skills, interpreters also require another skill set – concentration, speed of thought, mental dexterity, perceptiveness, diplomacy, as well as a broad general knowledge, coupled with the ability to keep calm when it gets stressful, which it often does!
The spoken word
In a nutshell, interpretation is spoken, translation is written. Interpretation therefore makes use of particular linguistic resources, transmitting the original speaker's ideas with their particular rhythm and intonation, making use of rhetorical devices and yes, even gestures.
Time constraints
Interpretation is carried out in real time (simultaneously) or very close to it (consecutively). The interpreter has no time to refer to the written resources available to translators, hence the importance of preparing thoroughly for every assignment. By extension, organisers and speakers need to make their material available in advance. With so many presenters these days choosing to read out a pre-prepared statement rather than speak off the cuff, interpreters are also required to receive, understand, process, and reconstruct information at extreme speed in real time.
The context of communication
In translation, there is always a gap between the writing of a text by an author and its reception by the readers. In interpretation, on the other hand, communication is immediate, involving an interaction between speakers and listeners that passes through the interpreter.
That apart, translators often spend a long time working on one text, while interpreters are faced with people speaking and communicating in real time.
Also, translators often work alone. Interpreters, however, work mostly in teams and team spirit is of primordial importance.
Sign languages
Sign language interpreters are no different, except that they interpret between spoken and sign languages or sometimes between sign languages. With numerous distinct national sign languages in addition to International Sign (IS), these specialist interpreters play an important role in allowing the Deaf community to actively participate in meetings and other conversations.
How interpreters are employed
Interpreters can come in many guises:
Staff interpreters are permanent (or temporary employees) of national or international organisations, courts and tribunals, governmental ministries, parliaments, the armed forces, as well as non-profit and for-profit entities.
Freelance conference interpreters are employed on a short-term basis. They work for various clients in succession, depending on demand and their linguistic qualifications. Freelance interpreters enjoy freedom and mobility, as they are free to organise their work as they feel fit, accepting or rejecting the jobs that they are offered, though economic reality may dictate differently. Since they work for a wide variety of organisations, they cover a vast range of subjects and work in many different fields.
Consultant interpreters are working interpreters who have chosen to take on an additional role, acting as a liaison between conference organisers and teams of interpreters. They recruit teams of interpreters to suit their clients’ requirements, taking account of working languages, subject matter, meeting location, while at the same time ensuring optimum working conditions for interpreters.