INTERPRETATION AS TRANSLATION (pp 143-147)

Interpretation is a term used in informal education which aims to describe any

communication process designed to reveal meanings and relationships of cultural and natural
heritage. Interpretation is the transmission of a spoken or signed message from one language
to another. The process of interpreting such a message from its source language involves the
transfer of its semantic, connotative and aesthetic content into a second or "target" language,
using the lexical, syntactic and stylistic resources of this second language. In order to do this
it is necessary first and foremost to understand the intended message perfectly. An
interpretation can be the part of a presentation or portrayal of information. This may be a
spoken, written, pictorial, mathematical, sculptural, cinematic, geometric or any other form
of language. A distinction is made between translation, which consists of transferring from
one language to another ideas expressed in writing, and interpreting, which consists of
transferring ideas expressed orally or by the use of gestures.

Translators and interpreters are trained in entirely different manners. Translators

receive extensive practice with representative texts in various subject areas, learn to compile
and manage glossaries of relevant terminology, and master the use of both current
document-related software (for example, word processors, desktop publishing systems, and
graphics or presentation software) and computer-assisted translation (CAT) software tools.

Interpreters, by contrast, are trained in precise listening skills under taxing

conditions, memory and note-taking techniques for consecutive interpreting (in which the
interpreter listens and takes notes while the speaker speaks, and then after several minutes
provides the version in the other language). Interpreters and translators are often discussed
together because they do have some common elements and share common skills. Both work
in one or several language pairs (i.e. English-Russian, Russian-German, etc.), which make
them fluent in at least two languages. One language is active (native) and the other is passive
(secondary). Interpreters interpret into and from both languages while translators usually
translate only into their active language. Both tasks require accuracy, good concentration,
subject matter knowledge, sensitivity to cultural issues, etc. Interpreters convert one spoken
language into another. An interpreter must interpret all utterances impartially, completely,
without deleting or editing, without embellishments or explanations, and in such a way that
the listener can understand.

There are three types of interpreting:

 Consecutive
 simultaneous
 sight interpreting.

Simultaneous interpretation requires interpreter to interpret the message orally at the same
time as the speaker is speaking. The interpreter usually sits in a booth and listens through a
headset or other equipment. This type of interpretation is very intense and requires high
concentration on the part of interpreter. Usually this type of interpretation is required at
international or other conferences.
Consecutive interpretation, on the other hand, requires a speaker to pause every few
sentences to allow the interpreter to interpret what has just been said. Most of consecutive
interpreters take notes (dates, numbers, names, places) while listening to the speaker. This
type of interpretation is used for person-to-person communication such as medical
appointments, meetings with lawyers, interview situations, court hearings, etc.

Sight interpretation requires an interpreter to read a document written in one language and
orally interpret the information into another language. This type of interpretation is used
very rarely.

Whispering Interpreting refers to simultaneous interpretation without the use of

interpretation equipment, where the interpreter sits close to the listener and whispers the
interpretation. This approach is not recommended when there are more than two listeners or
more than two interpreters working in the same room at the same time.

Being an interpreter does not mean that one person can cover all topics in all fields and
industries. There are conference interpreters, legal (court) interpreters, medical interpreters,
and guide or escort interpreters.
Conference interpretation is simultaneous interpreting of a speaker's statements at a
conference, or any other large meeting, in which a speaker pauses every few sentences to
allow the interpreter to interpret what has just been said.

Court/Legal interpretation is interpreting at legal proceedings, which is performed by a court

interpreter who has special subject matter knowledge.

Guide or escort interpreter is interpreter who accompanies visitors from a particular country
abroad or foreign visitors that come to visit a country to ensure that they are able to
communicate during their stay.

Telephone interpretation is interpreting a conversation over the phone. Some of the

interpreters do interpreting over the phone, but it also requires specialization. There are also
sign language interpreters, which constitute a whole different group of interpreters.
 TRANSLATION & OTHER DISCIPLINES (pp 141-143)

TRANSLATION & COMPARATIVE LITERATURE

Translation Studies is an inter-discipline that covers a range of fields such as

linguistics, foreign languages, comparative literature, and anthropology, among others.
Comparative Literature studies the relationships between literary cultures as they involve
influence, encounter, exchange, and translation.

Since the nineteenth century, Comparative Literature has provided a geographically

and chronologically broad perspective on the literary and cultural achievements of
humankind. Comparative Literature is closely related to the idea of nationhood and
nationalism. But Comparative Literature transcends the national point of view, to engage
with great imaginative works of literature from different places and times, all over the world.
Comparative Literature provides an understanding of cultures beyond one’s own, and helps
one become better global citizens.

The first comparatists treated translation with a cosmopolitan outlook and one of its
most representative figures was Madame de Stal, whose book De l'Allemagne introduced
Germany to the rest of Europe during the Romantic age. Cosmopolitanism was superseded by
nationalism and a sense of belonging to a certain people. As long as comparative literature
limited itself to the literatures of Europe, it was quite possible to find scholars with a
command of three, four, or five ancient and modern languages. As soon as comparative
literature tried to go beyond Europe, however, translations became necessary.

In the humanities, the discipline of comparative literature has intrinsically a content

and form which facilitate the cross-cultural and interdisciplinary study of literature and
culture.

Comparative literature is the scholarly approach to the study of world literature; it is a

literary discipline designed to go beyond the chronological, geographic, and linguistic
boundaries of different national cultures. It is the comparison of one literature with another,
or others, and the comparison of literature with other spheres of human expression. It
invokes relationships between literature and other fields, from arts to sciences, folklore to
religion. The discipline of Comparative Literature enables students to pursue interests in
literature, theory, and criticism across the boundaries of language, nation, culture, artistic
medium, genre, and historical period. To be able to reach to other literatures, translation is
the only effective and essential tool.

What is expected of an Interpreter*

1. Accuracy

Interpreters should accurately and completely transmit the meaning of a message without
omitting, deleting or editing, without embellishments or explanations, and with awareness of
any cultural differences that might exist between the parties.
2. Confidentiality

3. Impartiality

Interpreters should remain a neutral third party in an interaction and should not be on one

side or the other

4. Knowledge and education

Interpreters should continuously improve their professional skills and expand their
knowledge.

5. Professionalism

Interpreters should behave and present themselves in a professional manner at all times
regardless of the familiarity or unfamiliarity with the individuals involved.

6. Respect

Interpreters should treat all the parties involved in communication in respectful and
unprejudicial manner.

Translators also must be sensitive to cultural differences and provide some references or
explanations if necessary. Modern technology changed translation process significantly.
Today many translations are done on the computers and submitted electronically. This
allows translators to work virtually from anywhere and many of them work at home.