Translating and interpreting

Interpreters are often referred to as « translators » and people are not always aware of the difference between the two professions. An interpreter works with spoken words in a particular context, conveying a message from one language to another, translation refers to the activity of transferring a written text from one language to another. Interpretation is spoken, translation is written. Interpretation therefore makes use of particular linguistic resources: the original speaker’s ideas are transmitted as spoken words, with a particular rhythm and intonation, making use of rhetorical devices and gestures.

• Interpretation is carried out in real time (simultaneously) or very close to it (consecutively). The interpreter has no time to refer to the written resources available to translators. This makes preparation before each assignment all the more essential for an interpreter.
• Another constraint is the extreme speed at which the interpreter has to receive, understand, manage, and reconstruct information.
• In interpretation communication is immediate, involving an interaction between speakers, listeners, and interpreters. In translation there is always a gap between the writing of a text by an author and its reception by the readers.
• Apart from this, translators often spend a long time working on one text, while interpreters, often working in a team, are faced with people speaking and communicating right now.

Conference interpreting Interpreters have always been involved in the development of international trade and cultural exchange. But it was only towards the end of the 19th century, with the appearance of the first international organisations and of regular conferences, that some people were able to make a living as interpreters. With the emergence of simultaneous interpretation in the middle of the 20th century the profession developed considerably and was shaped accordingly. Conference interpretation is conveying a message spoken in one language into another. It is practised at international summits, professional seminars, and bilateral or multilateral meetings of heads of State and Government. Conference interpreters also work at meetings between chief executives, social and union representatives, at congresses and meetings.