What does an interpreter do?
To explain what interpreters do it is worthwhile to start by discussing the differences between interpreting and translation.
Interpreting vs. 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 vast. 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.
Forms of interpreting
An interpreter, on the other hand, has to be able to translate in both directions, without the use of any dictionaries, on the spot. There are two types of interpreting: consecutive and simultaneous. In the most popular form of simultaneous interpreting the interpreter sits in a booth wearing a pair of headphones and speaking into a microphone. Strictly speaking, "simultaneous" is a misnomer: the interpreter can't start interpreting until s/he understands the general meaning of the sentence. Depending on how far in the sentence the subject and the verb are located, the interpreter into English may not be able to utter a single word until s/he heard the very end of the sentence in the source language! This should make it evident how hard the task of the interpreter really is: s/he needs to be translating the sentence into the target language while simultaneously listening to and comprehending the next sentence. You can experience the difficulty of the task even if you are monolingual: just try paraphrasing someone's speech with a half-sentence delay, making sure you understand the next sentence while paraphrasing the previous one. One of the key skills of the simultaneous interpreter is decisiveness: there is simply no time to weigh the merits of variant translations or to recall just the right idiom in the target language. Any delay and you may loose a few words (and possibly a thought) that the speaker uttered. And since the speaker may be far away, or even in a different room than the interpreter, the loss may be permanent.
During consecutive interpreting the speaker stops every 1-5 minutes (usually at the end of every "paragraph" or a complete thought) and the interpreter then steps in to render what was said into the target language. A key skill involved in consecutive interpreting is note-taking, since few interpreters can memorize a full paragraph at a time without loss of detail. But interpreter's notes are very different from those of a stenographer, because writing down words in the source language makes interpreter's job harder when he or she has to translate the speech into the target language. Many professional interpreters develop their own "ideogramic" symbology, which allows them to take down not the words, but the thoughts of the speaker in language-independent form. Then the interpreter's output is more idiomatic and less source-language bound.
In spite of the vast differences in the skills of translators and interpreters, there is one thing that they must share, besides deep knowledge of both languages: they must understand the subject matter of the text or speech they are translating. One of the main reasons why the Automatic Translation projects that were popular since 1950's failed is precisely that reason. Translation is not a matter of substituting words in one language for words in another. It is a matter of understanding the thought expressed in one language and then explaining it using the resources of another language. In other words, what an interpreter does is change words into meaning, and then change meaning back into words -- of a different language. So interpreting is basically paraphrasing. And just like you can't explain to someone a thought if you didn't fully understand that thought, nor can you translate or interpret something without mastery of the subject matter being relayed. This is why making sure that the interpreter is knowledgeable in the subject matter of the conference or the workshop they are interpreting at is just as important as making sure that s/he is an experienced interpreter.
Qualifications of a good interpreter:
•Knowledge of the general subject of the speeches that are to be interpreted. •General erudition and intimate familiarity with both cultures. •Extensive vocabulary in both languages. •Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely in both languages. •Excellent note-taking technique for consecutive interpreting. •At least 2-3 years of booth experience for simultaneous interpreting.
FAQ: Interpreting
What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?
Simultaneous interpreting is very difficult and can only be done well by the most experienced interpreters. The most common example of simultaneous interpreting can be seen in the work done by United Nations interpreters. When this method is used, the speaker continues his or her remarks without pause while the interpreter renders the speakers comments into the foreign language almost immediately. This is a very labor intensive process and generally requires two or more simultaneous interpreters, working in shifts.
Consecutive interpreting is the more common practice. In this situation, the speaker is required to pause regularly to allow the interpreter to then render the remarks into the foreign language. Consecutive translation takes more time and somewhat disrupts the flow of the speaker's remarks, but is also generally more accurate.
What are the differences between various levels of interpreters?
"Highly experienced" level interpreters are the best and most experienced interpreters in the field. They are able to do both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting. Because of the high level of experience required to qualify for this level, they are generally able to handle all subject matter areas. As with most professionals, however, even "highly experienced" level interpreters tend to specialize in particular fields.
"Experienced" level interpreters are journeyman interpreters who are generally able to do simultaneous interpreting, when working as part of a team, and fully competent to do all types of consecutive translation. They are experienced in most subject matter areas. They are more experienced that "less experienced" level interpreters, but not as experienced as "highly experienced" level interpreters.
"Less experienced" level interpreters are newly trained interpreters who generally do not have a great deal of experience. They cannot perform simultaneous interpreting, but are generally competent to handle most consecutive interpreting assignments, particularly if the assignment does not include highly specialized subject matter.
What can I do to help my interpreter be more effective?
There is no substitute for a good briefing, as far in advance of the interpreting session as possible. It is not unusual for an interpreter to handle a biotechnology conference one day, and a financial conference the next. If you have (or can make up) a list of words and phrases that are specific to the subject matter to be discussed, you will be of invaluable assistance to your interpreter. If you are aware of unique terms that are likely to be used, it is absolutely essential that you pass these along in advance of the session.
Interpreters are professionals who take pride in their work. They cannot, however, be expected to know every industry term and slang expression. To the extent that you can help your interpreter prepare for your session, the more effective your interpreter will be. In turn, your conference or session will be that much more effective. Whenever possible, try to give your interpreter lists of specialized terms several days in advance. If you have materials that place these terms in context, it is enormously valuable to the interpreter to receive these as well.
Just as you would never think of hiring an executive assistant and telling him or her "Here's your desk, get to work," you should not expect an interpreter to just step in and perform without a briefing. To the extent that you can make the interpreter aware of the subject matter to be discussed, in advance of the session, your interpreter's productivity will be that much greater.
What should I do during the session to help my interpreter?
Try to speak in short sentences, whenever possible. When using consecutive translation, make sure that you pause regularly to allow the interpreter to catch up. Avoid puns and metaphors that do not easily translate into the other language. Remember that interpreting is very mentally taxing and make sure that you give your interpreter regular breaks. Often, a meeting will break up and the participants will go to lunch or dinner for a more informal session. Please remember that the poor interpreter is still working during the meal.
"Brainstorming" type meetings are extremely difficult to interpret. If it is not necessary to interpret every word, please inform your interpreter of this in advance, otherwise the meeting will be slowed while the interpreter provides a complete and detailed translation.
Please also remember that consecutive interpreting doubles the amount of time required for a session. Please take this into consideration when making your plans so that you will not be rushed.
How many interpreters do I need for simultaneous interpreting?
It all depends on the nature of the session. If you are planning an intense, highly detailed conference, then you should plan on having two to three simultaneous interpreters, each working shifts of fifteen minutes. These sessions are extremely taxing mentally for the interpreters and require frequent rest periods. If you are planning a more informal session that will not last too long, then it may be possible to have just one simultaneous interpreter. You should always consult with the interpreter well in advance to make sure that you have sufficient resources on the day of the session.