Interpretation is a form of verbal or gestural translation, which occurs in the communication of different languages in a direct manner. This is the process by which one person repeats what the other person says in another language. Interpreting comes in many different forms depending on the context and needs of the situation. Below is a brief overview of the six main types of interpretation (parallel, serial, escort/travel, whisper, telephone, on-demand phone).
1 Simultaneous Interpreting
In parallel interpretation, the interpreter must translate the sentence into the target language and must also hear and understand the next sentence. Strictly speaking, "simultaneously" is an incorrect word: because interpreters cannot start translating until they understand the full meaning of the sentence.
Parallel translation is the process of processing and remembering the words spoken by the source language speaker, and at the same time speaking in the target language the words that the speaker said 5-10 seconds ago. The goal of parallel interpretation is not to reinterpret information in a different way, but to accurately convey the other's statement.
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Parallel interpretation is used for large meetings, conferences or trade shows (This type of interpretation is similar to UN interpretation). Usually, when performing this form of interpreting, the interpreter sits in a booth wearing a headset and speaks into a microphone.
The interpreter must be definitive; because time is very limited and does not allow translators time to consider choosing words that match the source translation. If there is a delay, even by a few seconds, the translator will miss some of the later parts of the exchange.
2 Consecutive Interpreting or Consecutive Interpreting
During serial interpretation, the speaker will pause every 1-5 minutes (usually at the end of each “paragraph” or whole thought) and then the interpreter will step in to convey what was said. to the target language.
Serial interpreters can be used for small business meetings or in court as a witness. This is a type of reciprocal interpretation, with an alternation of multiple languages taking turns being spoken and interpreted.
An important skill associated with serial interpretation is note-taking, since very few people can memorize an entire passage in one sitting without missing a detail, taking quick notes is incredibly important. necessary.
3 Escort/Travel Interpreting
Escort/travel interpreters can act almost as assistants, assisting clients while they are on the go on (business) trips. These interpreters may also accompany clients to some meetings.
These escort/tourist interpreters are more than just interpreters, but often act as cultural connections, responsible for everything from ordering food to closing multi-million dollar business deals. .
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4 Whisper Interpreting
Silent interpreting is similar to parallel translation, but the interpreter does not use headphones or microphones, but rather sits next to the person (or group of people) requesting the interpretation and whispers or speaks softly enough so that it can be heard. see.
This method of translation is often used for a business meeting where only one person requires an interpreter, or in a courtroom where someone asks an interpreter to sit in the back to translate for them to understand what is being said. is mentioned.
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Scheduled Telephone Interpreting
Telephone interpreting includes both parallel interpretation and serial interpretation. This type of interpretation is done during a scheduled appointment where the interpreter does not meet both parties in person, but interprets over the phone.
Call participants will only hear the interpreter's voice, telephonic interpretation can be performed in both parallel and serial formats.
If the interpreter cannot see the speaker and does not clearly understand the context to which the speaker is referring, the accuracy of parallel telephone interpretation may be lower than that of serial telephone interpretation. Therefore, almost all telephone interpretation is conducted in the form of serial interpretation.
5 On-Demand Phone Interpreting
On-demand telephonic interpretation is for individuals or organizations that need immediate communication that encounters language barriers. This type of interpretation is performed when one party calls a service, selects the required language pair, and is connected to an interpreter. The interpreter then joins the line and translates the conversation.
On-demand telephone interpretation is typically provided by customer service centers and by companies, organisations, pharmacies, medical and legal institutions, which largely interact with people with limited English proficiency (LEP) and interpretation required upon request.
The benefit of on-demand phone interpreting is finding an interpreter within minutes. However, it's important to note that interpreters are entering the conversation suddenly, and they may not have enough information to translate correctly.
6 So how to search for an interpreter?
Whatever type of interpreter you need, the most important thing is that when choosing an interpreter, subject matter expertise is just as important as interpreting experience. Translators must have excellent listening skills. In addition, interpreters must have public speaking skills and flexibility in translating immediately.
What types of translation do you have experience with? Do you have any tips for finding an interpreter? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Contact now with Idichthuat If you are in need of professional translation or interpretation.
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Nguyen Trung Khang - Talented interpreter and translator, passionate about translation
Nguyen Trung Khang is a talented interpreter and translator, with many years of experience in the field of translation and linguistics. He graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, majoring in Linguistics in 2015.
After graduating, Mr. Khang participated in a professional interpretation and interpretation training course at the University of Foreign Languages - Hanoi National University. He achieved a high-level certificate in interpreting and interpreting, and was also awarded a master's degree in linguistics.