What is interpreting?

“Interpreting consists of presenting in the

target language the exact meaning of what

is uttered in the source language either

simultaneously or consecutively, preserving

the tone of the speaker” (Mahmoodzadeh ,

1991, p.232).

What is interpreting?

• Interpreting work bridges the

“cultural and conceptual gaps”

between the participants in an

event (Jones, 1998, p.4)

CommunicationNo language

barrier Mutual

understanding

HOW DOES INTERPRETATION DIFFER

FROM TRANSLATION?

• A translator studies written

material in one language and

renders it, also in written from,

into another language.

• An interpreter listens to a spoken

message and reproduces it in

oral form in another language.

HOW DOES INTERPRETATION DIFFER

FROM TRANSLATION?

• Translators can rely on resources such

as bilingual and monolingual

dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias,

or research with background materials.

• Interpreters have no access to

these resources in the course of

interpreting .

The process of interpreting

The Input

Understanding

Deciphering

Transference

C-1

C- 2

Output 1

Output 2

Consecutive interpretation

• The interpreter listens to a speech in

one language, takes notes, and then

renders it into another language.

• The time lapse between the speech

and its rendering varies greatly. It

usually lasts from anywhere between

one to fifteen minutes. In some special

occasions, the time lapse may be up

to half or one hour.

Simultaneous interpreting

• In simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter sits in a sound-proof booth renders the speech into another language while listening to it.

• This mode of interpreting is used for meetings with large numbers of participants.

• Specialized equipment such as headphones, earphones, microphones, amplifiers are required.

Whispering interpretation

• This can be done as either

consecutive or simultaneous

interpreting. The only difference is that

the interpreter does not interpret for

the whole audience in the meeting.

• The interpreter sits next to or between

those participants who need the

interpretation and whispers the

interpretation to them or interprets

their messages.

Levels at which interpreters are

accredited

• Level 1: language aide

• Level 2: para-professional

interpreter

• Level 3: interpreter

• Level 4: conference

interpreter

• Level 5: senior conference

interpreter

(NAATI)

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"Interpreting is easy. You just have to

know all the words."

Criteria for a GOOD interpreter

• Linguistic and cultural

knowledge

• Background knowledge

• Language and interpreting

skills

Codes of ethics

• Before the assignment

- be well-prepared

- improve one’s linguistic

competence

- be a clear speaker

- train memory

- have integrity & dignity

Codes of ethics

• During the assignment

- Be strictly punctual

- Introduce yourself

- Be impartial

- Be careful (speaking style)

- Take notes

- Listen actively &

Codes of ethics

• After the assignment

- self-criticism

- self-evaluation