Interpreting

An expatriate assignment becomes a success when several factors at different points of time are taken into consideration: in advance before the assignee leaves, during the assignment abroad and when returning to the old environment.

Why isn’t interpreting simply a one-to-one transfer of words from one language to another?

To ensure that seamless and accurate communication across languages takes place interpreters require not only excellent language skills, but they have to quickly analyse and understand how to transfer the meaning, tone and intent of the message from one language to the other. Jumping in register from one language where formality and status is coded into the language to another where first names and informality is expected can be challenging.

Interpreting and converting one language into another

An interpreter is an intermediary who is able to accurately convert spoken words and meaning from one language into another to ease communication – especially when there is no common language. The interpretation requires someone skilled in both the source language and the target language. The main form of interpreting is spoken; however, sign language is also communication requiring an intermediary.

Being an expatriate is not easy, but moving to another country, learning a new language and living in a different culture can be very exciting and is often a career jump too. Nevertheless, it helps if you know a bit about the challenges you might face in advance. One of these challenges is culture shock. Defined as the disorientation a person may experience in a new cultural or foreign environment it can lead to information overload, homesickness, a language barrier and loneliness. When employees are sent on foreign assignment their families often accompany them.

We speak your language and ensure you are understood. That’s why we are now offering telephone interpreting as well as simultaneous, consecutive and conference interpreting.

Why telephone interpreting? Have you ever wanted to briefly clarify a few points with a business partner, but don’t speak their language? You want to keep costs low and efficiency high? Telephone interpreting offers an effective solution.