Best Ways to Profiting
from the Differences Between Interpreters and Translators Quotes of the Month LetSpeak.com®
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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.
(c) 2004 Allendy Doxy, LetSpeak.com®, All Rights Reserved.
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Quote
of the Month
"Vision is the art of seeing the invisible."
- Jonathan Swift.
LetSpeak.com® News Wire
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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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Best Ways to Profiting
from the Differences Between Interpreters and Translators 
