15 May Trans-interpretation: what is it, an interpretation or a translation job?

Many people get confused when it comes to defining the tasks of a translator and an interpreter. Translators and interpreters are considered to serve the same roles by many, which is not true. Now there’s another friend in town: trans-interpretation. These three are separate jobs and require one to possess different skill sets.

What is trans-interpretation

A translator or an interpreter is often referred to as a trans-interpreter if the individual has the skills necessary to translate a document live, on the phone.

Differences between translators and interpreters

On a basic level, you would feel that a translator and an interpreter serve the same function. There lies a difference in the manner in which the task is actually carried out and also in terms of talents, skills, requirements, and pressures. A translator needs to possess skills in writing and in expressing phrases, linguistic nuances and words on paper. A translator is offered luxury of resources, reference material, freedom and time. The pressure that a translator is exposed to is limited. Translators work in their native language to ensure accuracy in both cultural and linguistic senses. Translators cannot be bilingual entirely. They can deal in an effective manner with written sources. They possess a different skill when it comes to oral translation, however, they are able to provide trans-interpretation as well.

A translator adopts a one-dimensional approach in carrying out any translation task. They deal with language and written words. An interpreter needs to be able to translate spoken words in two dimensions. They have to make use of reference materials and resources. An interpreter has to find linguistic solutions to problems. They need to cope up with intense pressure. However, they receive a hefty pay for using their skills. Interpreters also serve as a bridge by relaying intentions, emotions, and tones. Interpreters are required to demonstrate diplomacy and professionalism while carrying out their tasks. Their roles are complex to comprehend as they need to deal with people communicating in both languages.

What does an interpreter actually do?

Interpreters are involved in two kinds of interpretations: simultaneous and consecutive. Simultaneous interpretation involves carrying out interpretations in real time. Interpreters can be found in international conferences where they can help representatives from different countries to interact with each other. A simultaneous interpreter needs to quickly digest what the other person is saying and translate it almost instantly to others. Decisiveness is the key skill that needs to be possessed by an interpreter. They need to be on their feet and need to think quickly.

Consecutive interpreting, on the other hand, can be carried out in face to face court cases, speeches and meetings. A speaker stops at regular intervals and says a few sentences. An interpreter translates whatever is being said in front of the proceeding. Consecutive interpreting requires one to harness a key skill which is the ability to remember whatever that has been said.

A third, new way of translating content is trans-interpretation. Since this involves a combination of skills, any interpreter should be able to handle it as well.

The key difference between an interpreter and a translator is that a translator translates the content that is present within a document, in writing, whereas an interpreter translates a spoken word in one of the two ways discussed in the preceding paragraph. A trans-interpreter is a combination of both.

The new concept of trans-interpretation was invented by Live Document Translation, which provides translation over the phone for its clients, a new, faster way to find out what a document was written in a foreign language is all about.