Many people think that interpreting and translation are one and the same things. This is quite simply a misunderstanding, as language interpreting is concerned with listening to speakers in the source language and interpreting what they say into the targeted language. In contrast, the language translation is more about direct translation from a written source language found in legal documents, books, reports, scientific and medical reports and literary works into a targeted language. In addition, interpreting is not just to do with verbal language, but sign language is considered to be a type of interpreting as well.

Interpreting

There are two key branches of interpreting, which are:

• simultaneous interpreting when the speaker and the interpreter speak almost at the same time; and
• consecutive interpreting when the speaker speaks first and the interpreter quickly responds with an interpretation.

Benefits of an interpreter are understanding

One of the key benefits of an interpreter is enabling understanding. People are often outside of their country either temporarily or permanently and for a variety of reasons. Even if they have attempted to learn the language of their host country before setting foot on it this does not mean they are fluent.

There will be times like in a hospital, at a child’s school or even an interview at the bank where misunderstandings may take place due to lack of fluency. This is when an interpreter can aid understanding and ensure all parties benefit the most from understanding one another. The bridging of linguistic gaps is typically the ultimate target of interpretation. Putting across messages using interpreting is crucial to fully engage in and understand the communication taking place.

Widening an individual’s social network

Interpreting enables the possibility of extending one’s social and business network. The network of people in social or business environments grows when interpreting is used to bridge a gap in communication. There are a variety of international meetings that take place around the world which include people from sometimes a hundred languages. This is when interpreting services are crucial to ensuring communication is not lost.

Improving the global experience for international travellers

Geographic borders begin to fade for travellers when communication is possible with people who do not speak the same language. Whether someone is travelling for leisure purposes or to educate themselves about other cultures around the world, interpreting services make communication so much easier.

The Benefits of Translation

Today’s multicultural and multilingual world depends on efficient and effective communication between those who speak different languages and come from different cultures. Many people think that if they speak English they can communicate anywhere in the world. The reality is that not everyone speaks English and there are also many who speak a smattering of English but not so much that is good enough for effective communication. Because there is more to a language than just the words it takes a highly experienced and knowledgeable translator to be able to effectively and authentically translate text from one language to another.

As travel and communication improve formal barriers between countries feel less imposing so businesses are encouraged into the global markets. They can benefit from the lower cost of products and services found in a few countries and the availability of industrial and professional expertise as well as having more countries to trade with.

Translators benefit from demand for translations

When there is an increase in demand for translation throughout the world this also creates jobs by increasing the demand for translators. So far because English is still one of the key languages used for effective communication in places like the European parliament there is always a demand for English translators as not all MEPs can speak English fluently.

German and French are also official European Parliament languages, so the same things apply and translations from German and French of key documents by translators take place so that those who do not understand those key languages will benefit. These languages might not be so important when the Chinese market spreads out more and into the world. There will be an increase in demand for translators who can translate Chinese into commonly used languages around the world.

Translators and interpreters can help to spread information around the world

Translators provide the means for people of different languages to be able to communicate ideas with anyone they choose. Sometimes governments from different countries need to exchange ideas and formulate solutions when conflict is about to erupt. Translators can provide effective communication by translating documents while interpreters break down the barriers of oral communication. One key example is the bible which over the centuries has been translated into no less than 530 languages.

In summary, translation and interpreting allow effective communication to take place between individuals throughout the world. They act as couriers for the transmitting of knowledge, as protectors for cultures and to allow better communication for business in the global economy.