Interpreting

language.

Note that the words interpreting and interpretation can both be used to refer to this activity, the word interpreting is commonly used in the profession and in the field of translation studies in an attempt to avoid the secondary meanings of the word interpretation. (See the article on interpretation.)

Interpreting vs. translation

A distinction is made between translation, which consists of transferring ideas expressed in writing from one language to another, from interpreting, which consists of transferring ideas expressed orally, or by the use of gestures (as in the case of sign language), from one language to another.

Types of interpreting

There exist several types of interpreting:

Simultaneous interpreting

In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter will speak while the source-text speaker is still speaking.

Normally, in simultaneous interpreting the interpreter sits in a sound-proof booth, usually with a clear view of the speaker, at a microphone, listening through headphones to the incoming message in the source language; the interpreter repeats the message in the target language into the microphone to whoever is listening .

Confusingly, this is sometimes referred to as "simultaneous translation".

Consecutive interpreting

In consecutive interpreting, the source-text speaker and the interpreter taking alternate turns speaking.

Normally, in consecutive interpreting the interpreter sits at the conference table with the speakers, listening to whoever is speaking in the source language and making notes as the speech progresses. When the speaker has finished, or comes to a pause, the interpreter reproduces (consecutively) the message in the target language, in its entirety and as though he were making the original speech.

Whispered interpreting

In whispered interpreting, the interpreter sits or stands next to a person and whispers the interpretation to him.

Whispered interpretation is often used in situations when the majority of a group speaks one language, with a limited number of people who do not speak that language.

Gestural interpreting

In gestural interpreting a spoken language is interpreted into a visual one (such as ASL, for example) or vice versa.

Conference interpreting

Conference interpreting is simply interpreting in a conference environment. Conference interpreting may be simultaneous or consecutive.

Escort interpreting

In escort interpreting an interpreter accompanies a person or a delegation on a tour, on a visit or to a meeting or interview. An interpreter in this role is called an escort interpreter or an escorting interpreter.

Community interpreting

Community interpreting involves interpreting for a group who do not speak the language of the minority. Community interpreting usually involves interpreting in the fields of law, health care and welfare.

Legal interpreting

In legal interpreting, or court interpreting, takes place in courts of justice or administrative tribunals. Legal interpreting can take the form of consecutive interpreting of witnesses' statements, for example, or simultaneous interpreting of the entire proceedings by electronic means for one or more of the people in attendance. Court interpreters usually work alone when providing consecutive interpreting services, or as a team when simultaneous interpreting is required. In addition to mastery of the source and target language, an excellent knowledge of legal terminology and court procedure is required of court interpreters.

See also

• Translation
• Interpreter