What exactly is interpreting?

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. It is essential to preserve and transfer the register and meaning of the source language message and transfer this appropriately into the target language. The interpreting can be face-to-face or take place remotely e.g. by telephone, video or with other technological support. Moreover, interpreters are required to adhere to strict codes of professional ethics and standards of practice.

What kinds of interpreting are there – for whom?

A good interpreter will be your voice speaking your words and conveying your message from one language into another. Articulate in their native tongue or “A” language, an interpreter will also have active and passive working languages to communicate in. Highly fluent in their “B” or working language an interpreter will translate back and forth between the A and B languages for their client. Interpreters possess excellent understanding in their “C” language, but may prefer to passively listen and not work in this language as understanding and speaking a language are very different skills.
Additionally, interpreters often work in a specific field e.g. for businesses, at conferences, for the media, at court, or for social and medical services.

The main forms of interpreting are:

Simultaneous interpreting is the immediate conversion of spoken words from one language into another - at the same time as the speaker speaks. Typically seen at conferences, on TV, in business meetings, during a court process or a medical examination, the speed of communication enables listeners to experience seamless communication. Various technologies e.g. microphone and headsets or the use of a booth, video or telephone can support the process.

Consecutive interpreting requires the interpreter to take notes or remember short spoken segments and only speak after the source-language speaker has stopped communicating. The advantage here is that a truer more accurate interpretation of the entire meaning is possible. Furthermore, bilingual listeners may need to hear both the original and interpreted dialogue as in a court case. Occasionally, sight interpreting i.e. the spoken interpretation of a written text may be required for judicial and medical work.

Variations include relay interpreting where the message is conveyed from one language into another and then again into a further language. Useful for dialects or rare languages this transfer of message is normally done simultaneously. Further forms of interpreting are chuchotage or whispered interpreting where the interpreter sits close to the foreign delegate and simultaneously whispers the translation into their ear, a form often used in a negotiation or meeting. The interpreter usually speaks very quietly without disturbing the main speaker and sits directly behind the person needing language support.