translation vs. interpretation

Introduction to Translation & Interpretation

Left-to-right (Head of French Translation Department, Cultural Attache, Ambassador, Poet Ivan Uriarte,

Translator Rolando Tellez, UNAN Vice-Dean)

Lecture on Translation & Interpretation

Introduction to Translation & Interpretation

Translation vs. Interpretation

By Rolando Tellez, Master in Communication & Translation

Can I become a translator?• The job as a translator and interpreter is

fascinating, educational, and rewarding.To be a translator – interpreter you need:

• Training on the different translation techniques. • Passion to work continually on both languages.• To keep learning everyday.• To be knowledgeable about the world.• A computer, cable TV or short-wave radio.• To learn relaxation techniques.

Basic Definitions • Interpretation - Interpretation or interpreting, is

an activity that consists of establishing, either simultaneously or consecutively, oral communications between two or more speakers who are not speaking the same language.

Translation - Translation is transfering the meaning of a text in one language and the production of a new, equivalent text in another language. The final product is called a translation.

Basic Translation Fields

• Simultaneous Interpretation Consecutive Interpretation

Translation On-sight Translation Written Translation

Particular Needs of Clients• This presentation provides a short introduction on

terminology and background information on the differences between the various techniques and how each requires a specific set of skills.

•Any potential client requiring language services should be clear about the job of a translator or an interpreter. So, do you need a consecutive or a simultaneous interpreter?

Basic Definitions• Source language (SL) – The SL is the

original language of a text or utterance before it is translated or interpreted.

Target language (TL) – The language into which a text is rendered. The language a person translates or interprets into is the TL.

Studying translation also involves learning a particular terminology to work with colleagues.

Simultaneous Interpreting• - Usually accomplished in pairs with each

interpreter taking turns at the microphone every 30 minutes. - Most international organizations have their interpreters work only into the interpreters’ native language.- Interpreters normally work in soundproof booths, attentively listening to the speaker’s remarks via headphones and following slightly behind in the target language. Decisiveness is paramount. There is no time to weigh the merits of various renditions.

Simultaneous Interpreting• - While some information may be written down

(dates, names, important facts), simultaneous interpreters do not take notes as consecutive interpreters do.- It is done with the interpreter/audience using portable equipment (microphone and headphones). - Most suitable for lectures, seminars and conferences and during events at which information generally flows in one direction.

Interpreting at Hilton Hotel

Interpretation vs. Translation

It is easy to assume that interpretation and translation differ only in the medium: oral or written. However, there can be great differences in training, skills and even some personality attributes.

Interpretation vs. Translation• - A translator must write well and express herself

superbly in the target language. Ideally, the translator is a native speaker of the target language.

- It is imperative that the translator understands the source language and the culture of its speakers. The translator does not have to be as verbally fluent in the source language as the interpreter, but she should have a native or near-native comprehension of the meaning and nuance of the source text.

Interpretation and Translation• - A translator should have a comprehensive set of

dictionaries and reference materials available (as well as have a high level of expertise in using on-line resources).

• A professional interpreter will also have these resources, but they are more for study and preparation and not for use while actually engaged in interpreting.

• While a translator may specialize in a narrowly focused subject or two, most conference interpreters normally prepare for a wide variety of topics.

Interpretation vs. Translation• - A translator’s work is more methodical and exact.

·All interpreters, but especially consecutive interpreters, should have superior short-term memory.- An interpreter must have a good voice, excellent public speaking skills. She should feel comfortable in the spotlight.

• Consecutive interpreters tend to be more visible, as they usually are standing or sitting beside their principal.

Interpretation and Translation

• Professional interpreters and translators comprehensively read and study in the fields they work most often (in the target and source languages).

While translators and interpreters do share a love of languages and certain skill sets, the terms are not synonymous and the activities involved are indeed different.

Concepts to Keep in Mind

• Language is a dynamic system in constant evolution (semantic extensions, new words).

• Translation goes beyond the linguistic level (philosophical, anthropological or cultural, e.g. showing height of a person)

• We understand the world though our particular cultural filters.


• Knowledge schemes (different cultures and subcultures)

• Focus on what the speakers and listeners (writers and readers) have in common or share

• Say the same things with different codes (Jakobson, 1959)


• Translate not only words, but also concepts, rhetorical patterns, and even contexts

• Grammatical structures may need to change in another lg. to keep the message

• (Proverbs and Sayings)• Clear message with minimum alteration of

the linguistic elements and structures


• The translator has to find similarities that exist between two worlds and use them in favor of his readers

• Translation has purely functional nature• Because the varied contexts and

objectives of translations, there is a need for a translator to specialize

Approaches to Translation & Interpretation

• For practising translators, the linguistic ability functions as an instinct that can only be developed with constant input and contextualization (visualization).

• Main approaches to translation:• - translation at the level of word (word for word

translation)• - translation at the level of sentence, and• - conceptual translation


• Translators and interpreters need to specialize in a particular field of knowledge, for instance, in business they should handle automatically terms such as shareholders´ meetings, Minutes, profit and loss statements, generally accepted accounting standards.

• Name of official translations: United Nations, Ministry (Department) of Education, OAS, IDB, IMF, GDP, Stock Market, WB, tax authority, IRS, WTO, PAHO, WHO, IFC. IT, ILO, etc.


• Common turns or linguistic shifts in the sentence to a translated sentence, e.g.

• The inter-coder reliability indices of the segmentation and codification of the editorials were then determined. An inter-coder reliability index above .80 was obtained.


• At conceptual levels we have proverbs and sayings.

Time is gold. Silence is gold. Screwed-up but happy.

• Sharing with other translators terminology

issues.


• Finally, translation as a process with opportunities to integrate the semiotic, linguistic, social, cultural and psychological perspectives in communicating.

• Translation involves accommodation in scope of culture, politics, aesthetics, and many other factors.

• Accommodation is also translation, a free, rather than literal, kind of translation. In both interpreting and translation, accommodations must be made so communication may proceed smoothly. Accommodation is a useful skill.

Good Qualities of a Translator• - A sophisticated understanding of the foreign

language- An understanding of the topic being translated- An ability to transfer ideas expressed in one language into an equally meaningful form in the other language- An above-average capacity to write well in the target language (the language in which the translation is written), using language appropriate for the topic and readership

Good Translator´s Qualities• - Broad general knowledge

- A sound knowledge of the two cultures involved- Mental agility- Sensitivity and attention to detail- An understanding of specialized terminology in the field of the translation and a willingness to do further research if necessary- Training, experience, being in touch with the world (Internet links).

My Commercial

- Practical training for 6 months in what could eventually be profitable career (or additional income).

- - Flexitime on Weekdays (by appointment)- Google Rolando Ernesto Tellez

PROFILE: Translator • INVOLVES: Translating documents (legal,

commercial & others). EMPLOYERS: International organisations; multinational companies or firms; translation agencies; Government bodies. Many translators are self-employed RELATED JOBS: interpreter; teacher of English as a foreign language; bilingual secretary.

PROFILE: Translator • SATISFACTIONS: Using languages;

flexibility; independence NEGATIVES: Work alone - may feel isolated. Working under pressure to meet deadlines. For freelance translators: uncertainty; no regular work pattern; no guaranteed salary. SKILLS: written communication, using languages, analyzing, using computers.

PROFILE: Translator • ADVANCEMENT: Setting up own

translation agency (Localization). DEGREE: A degree in languages will be required. A language combined with another relevant subject such as science, engineering, law or business would be particularly useful.

PROFILE: Translator • POSTGRADUATE STUDY: Master or

postgraduate diploma courses in translation is very useful. TIPS: Experience living/working overseas, or in a relevant business sector useful.

Requirement for Training• If you think you are interested or you can

meet the above requirements, you can contact me for some free online translation training.

Contact me at 2289-4596email: [email protected]

Thank you. Q&A

translation vs. interpretation

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