LetSpeak.com Translation Alert

LetSpeak.com Translation Alert

Communicate Without Limits!
December 2004

In This Issue:

Best Ways to Profiting from the Differences Between Interpreters and Translators
Quotes of the Month
LetSpeak.com® News Wire

Best Ways from Profiting from the Differences Between Interpreters and Translators

Knowing that interpreters and translators aren't interchangeable can be one of the most important parts of your foreign-language efforts. People often believe these two very different terms mean the same thing, when in actuality they couldn't be more different.

One huge difference: Translators don't need to be fluent in the source language they're translating from; they just need to be well-versed - preferably native speakers - of the language they're translating a document into. Example: You have a document in Spanish and you'd like it translated into English. Be sure the translator is a native English speaker with a good level of fluency in Spanish.

On the other hand, interpreters must be experts in both languages; otherwise some very unfortunate misunderstandings could take place. After all, who wants an interpreter who tells a business associate he's overjoyed to see him when he's really just pleased to meet him?

Those subtleties leave a lasting impression when beginning business relationships, though you can apologize, are mistakes like those ever really forgotten?

About translators: They have to be well-versed in your industry, especially technical jargon that only seasoned pros would understand.

Translators need to be able to:

- understand the source language
- the culture of the country from which the language originated
- use dictionaries, thesauruses and reference materials
- express complex terms and ideas in clear easy-to-understand text

About interpreters: They need to also master the body language surrounding the culture of the language they're translating for you. More often than not their presence needs to be a very unobtrusive one that serves only as a linguistic bridge between you and the people you're reaching out to in another language.

Interpreters need to be able to:

- understand both the source and target language
- provide clear and accurate interpretations of your words and phrases
- honestly convey your meaning and sentiments
- follow instructions to the letter
- adhere to cultural customs

Their difference goes way beyond, translator: written and interpreter: spoken. Translators can be in another country and still deliver quality publications fit to distribute to your clients and colleagues. Whereas interpreters may very well need to be right by your side to ensure you understand and are understood in your target language.

Be aware, when working with someone who claims to both translate and interpret with equal ability. Find out the person's mother tongue or the language in which they dream. That's the language they will be better at translating into than translating from. Your best bet is to hire someone who is known for translating well into their mother tongue; such as a native Spanish speaker translating your documents from English into Spanish.

When used in the proper situation both interpreters and translators can open a world of possibilities for your firm. Yet few firms master the delicate balancing act that is employing these resources properly. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both disciplines you'll be able to perform the balancing act perfectly.

Quote of the Month

"Vision is the art of seeing the invisible." - Jonathan Swift.

LetSpeak.com® News Wire

October 4, 2004-- Pro bono French and Creole translations offered to The News-Press staff during their coverage of the devastation of Hurricane Jeanne on the island nation of Haiti.

September 21, 2004-- LetSpeak.com presented a cultural presentation to the 7th Graders of Canterbury School in Fort Myers on the culture and the people of Haiti.

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The Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce