- Interpretation is the facilitation of oral language communication, either simultaneously or consecutively, between users of different languages. The process is described by both the words interpreting and interpretation.
- Interpreting: Interpreting is the facilitating of communication from one language form into its equivalent, or approximate equivalent, in another language form.
- Interpretation: Interpretation is the actual product of this work, that is, the message thus rendered into speech, sign language, writing, non-manual signals, or other language forms.
- Interpreter: An Interpreter is a person who converts a thought or expression in a source language into an expression with a comparable meaning in a target language in "real time." The interpreter's function is to convey every semantic element (tone and register) and every intention and feeling of the message that the source-language speaker is directing to target language recipients.
- The trained professional simultaneous Interpreter, never omits original source language, rather they learn to provide the same information in the target language.
- In court interpretation, it is not acceptable to omit anything from the source, no matter how fast the source speaks, since not only is accuracy a principal element for interpreters, but mandatory. The alteration of even a single word in a material way can totally alter the facts and outcome of the case.
Modes of Interpreting
- Simultaneous Interpreting: In simultaneous interpretation, the Interpreter renders the message in the target-language, while the source-language speaker continuously speaks in "real time."
- Consecutive Interpreting: In consecutive interpreting, the Interpreter speaks after the source-language speaker has finished speaking. The speech is divided into segments and the interpreter sits or stands beside the source-language speaker, listening and taking notes as the speaker progresses through the message. When the speaker pauses or finishes speaking, the interpreter then renders a portion of the message or the entire message in the target language.
- On occasion, document sight translation is required of the interpreter during consecutive interpretation work. Sight translation combines interpretation and translation; the Interpreter must render the source-language document to the target-language as if it were written in the target language. Sight translation occurs usually, but not exclusively, in judicial and medical work.
- Relay Interpreting: Relay interpreting occurs when several languages are the target-language. A source-language Interpreter renders the message to a language common to every Interpreter, who then renders the message to his or her specific target language. For example, if the witness speaks a dialect from Mexico, then the Interpreter who speaks that dialect interprets into Spanish and then the Spanish-English Interpreter translates it from Spanish into English.
Types of Interpreting
- Conference Interpreting: Conference interpreting is the interpretation of a conference, either simultaneous or consecutively.
- Legal and Court Interpreting: Legal interpreting can be the interpretation of witnesses' testimony either in or out of the presence of the court. Court Interpreters are required to have a mastery of the source and target languages, through knowledge of legal and court procedures. They also require a formal authorization from the State to work in the Courts and they are called "Certified Court Interpreters." The interpretation is considered an essential part of the evidence. Incompetent interpretation, or simply failure to swear in the interpreter, can lead to mistrial.
- Escort Interpreting: This is an Interpreter who accompanies a person, a delegation or a tour, on a visit, a meeting or interview.
- Medical Interpreting: Medical interpreting provides communication between the patient and the medical personnel. The interpreter is usually formally certified and qualified to provide such interpretation services.
- Sign Language Interpreting: When a hearing person speaks, an Interpreter renders the speaker's meaning into the sign language used by the deaf party. When the deaf person signs, an Interpreter renders the meaning expressed in the sign into the spoken language for the hearing party, which is sometimes referred to as voice interpreting.
- Telephone Interpreting: Telephone interpreting enables the Interpreter to deliver interpretation via telephone. The Interpreter is added to a conference call. Telephone interpreting may be used in place of on-site interpreting in some cases, especially when no on-site Interpreter is readily available at the location where services are needed.
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