English is by far the most commonly spoken language around the world. However, there are some sectors and key services where English is not the main language. Approximately 45% of Spain and 40% of France do not speak English. Even if English is one of their non-native languages, how many of them have a strong enough command of the language to feel comfortable at an event eg attending seminar sessions and engaging with the content? This is where interpreters come into play.
Although vital and even a legal obligation in some cases, what interpretation services entail and their full extent are not always fully understood by event organisers, speakers, etc.
So we are here to kickstart your journey of working with interpreters!
1- What is interpreting and what does an interpreter do?
As with any service or product you are purchasing, first you need to know what you are paying for.
Interpreting can be defined as the act of conveying the message in a spoken or signed conversation from one language into another.
2- What is the difference between interpreting and translation?
It’s important to remember that interpreting is a different discipline from translation, although the two get confused a lot!
Interpreting relates to the spoken word, while translation relates to the written. Just because you can do one, it doesn’t mean you can do the other. A lot of translators do not interpret.
Learn more about 3 things you didnt know about translators
3- What are the different types of interpreting?
You may be surprised to hear that there is no single approach to interpreting. There are various types of interpreting services available for different needs and event types:
- Simultaneous Interpreting: Simultaneous interpreting is the most common type of interpreting used for larger events or conferences and can be considered the hardest and most stressful type of interpreting, as the interpreter needs to be in synch with the speaker and interpret while they speak. The speaker will deliver their presentation as normal, so the interpreter needs to listen to what the speaker is saying, while simultaneously interpreting what the speaker has already said.
- Consecutive Interpreting: Consecutive interpreting is best suited to smaller groups, such as workshops or one-to-one conversations. In consecutive interpreting, the speaker talks for a while as the interpreter takes notes. The speaker then waits while the interpreter delivers their message and the cycle continues.
- On-sight Interpreting: Although not very common, sometimes the interpreters might be asked to interpret written text. On-sight interpreting can be defined as the act of reading a text from the source language into the target one and translating it as they go.
If you…
- Are in need of interpreting services for the first time and don’t know where to start
- Have used interpreting services for an event previously but weren’t really satisfied and are currently sceptical
- Simply want to know more about how we work
… feel free to contact us now at info@translateable.com. We’d be happy to have a chat about how we may assist you with your interpreting needs and more!
