Interpreting and Translation Processes – Significant Differences, Vital Functions

Nov 28
08:08

2011

Charlene Lacandazo

Charlene Lacandazo

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Interpreting and translation are two linguistic specialties that help bridge language and cultural gaps. They are vitally important, have a lot in common, but they also have some fairly significant differences.

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Interpreters and translators facilitate the cross-cultural communication that is vitally significant in every society nowadays. However,Interpreting and Translation Processes – Significant Differences, Vital Functions Articles language translation providers do not simply convert one language to another; it is rather more than that. Language specialists relay the ideas and concepts of languages; understand the subject background or knowledge so that they can effectively convey the messages from one language to another; and lastly, they should be knowledgeable enough about the cultures of the languages involved.However, some language specialists do both professions – interpreting and translation. It is true that both professions deal with languages by converting a message from one language to another. The difference is that translators deal with written words, and interpreters deal with spoken words. Both of these professions require suited skills and knowledge, however, interpreters can actually perform his or her job into or from both languages; however, translators generally perform this job if he or she is a native speaker of the target language.But, why are translators not allowed to convert text into and from both languages? And, why are interpreters allowed to do so?There are two kinds of interpreters – one is the one type who converts one spoken languages into another; the second one is the sign-language interpreter, converting spoken communication into sign language communication. The interpreting process requires very focused attention to converting one language to another. Most often, interpreting is performed right after the original source is presented. Thus, it is necessary that interpreters should be knowledgeable and should carefully understands the subject matter and both languages.On the other hand, since translators convert written materials from one language to another, it should be noted that translators should be excellent writers and have analytical ability. This is to ensure that translators can produce an accurate and quality translation product.There are some significant differences between the interpreting and translation professions, but both of these types of language specialists should bear in mind the cultural differences of languages, which they may need to convey to the intended audience. In addition, the translation process may be a more labour-intensive and responsible profession. Thus, sometimes it involves more translators to perform the whole process such as for proofreading, editing, and revising. Moreover, it doesn’t matter which of these language specialist professions is easier or more labour-intensive. Both types of language provider should bear in mind that languages are important in effective cross- cultural communication, and thus hiring an interpreter or translators is a daunting step to take. It is necessary that both interpreters and translators should be professionals. When it comes to language translation, clients are after for the quality of the translation product, and if the translation is correct, it is not only beneficial to the client but also to the target audience.

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