It is often thought an ... only job is to repeat what he hears in one language in another, and that no thought process is ... could be further from the truth. Often, the terms "t
It is often thought an interpeter's only job is to repeat what he hears in one language in another, and that no thought
process is involved.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Often, the terms "translation" and "interpreting" are used interchangeably.
Of the two, "translation" seems to be the most commonly used word. "Interpreter" is avoided, because often the
language facilitator is not expected to "interpret" what is being said. Yet often without interpretation, Japanese is
virtually impossible to translate.
Many customary Japanese words and phrases have no logical equivalents in English, and most translators/
interpreters come to grief in the vain attempt to faithfully convey the original words, vs. the meanings of what a
person is trying to express through the spoken or written word.
These situations are best handled by someone intimately familiar with both languages and cultures. Unfortunately,
the common perception on both sides of the ocean is that native speakers speak the language best and that
interpreters have an intimate knowledge of their own language, particularly into which they are translating if they
are native speakers.
"Lost in Translation" This website www.lostintranslation.com , which predates the movie "Lost in Translation"
reviewed at www.allwirelessmedia.com/resumes/movies.html . pretty much sums up a professional philosophy
towards the business of translation, and extremely persistent notions regarding the topic.
