What are the most common misconceptions about working with translators and interpreters?

Any interpreter has been called translator at least once. Clients that are constantly in dealing with interpreters learn quickly what our role entails. For instance; over time, clients can tell the difference between a professional and an ad hoc interpreter. Whether one is an interpreter or translator, through our roles clients become aware about the differences and, hopefully, valuing more our work.

Let's keep it simple for the general audience: one deals written text (translator) while the other deals with spoken words or uses sign language (interpreter). While the foundational language knowledge for both is the same, the way they work couldn't be more different. The translator usually has ample time to work with a written text, search for the terminology, and provide the best written translation possible in the target language. The interpreter (with the exception of interpretation of recordings) usually has very limited time to come up with the spoken interpretation of the target language. He or she usually resorts to taking notes (using special symbols) to quickly remember what was said and convert it into the target language.

From my personal experience as interpreter and translator, what I have learnt is that translators and interpreters are not interchangeable in technical sense of the word. Translators can work on their own pace; whereas, interpreters have to interpret in the presence of the concerning parties. Another difference is that translation is usually one-way, i.e., translators convert one language into the other. On the other hand, interpreters most often convert both languages, such as English into French and vice versa. Similarly, translators don't necessarily need to use special equipment, such as headphone or other voice devices; whereas, interpreters may have to use special equipment, such as conference or court interpretation.

While they may seem the same they are quite different. One is able to articulate the words into expressible speech using emotion, context and their input to perform on the spot from things they learned and practiced such as a specific role in interpretation where slight variations can occur from one performance to the other and may not be a "literal translation" such as in the use of idioms where instead the interpreter opts to convey the message in the most precise way possible. The translator focuses on written work which takes a longer time period to accomplish.They often work with various sources and transform words from one language to another to display the same context and structure which retain the original work's emphasis.

I think this misunderstanding often arises from a general assumption that proficiency in a second language is all that is required for both tasks. However, translation involves converting written content from one language to another, demanding a deep understanding of the source and target languages, cultural nuances, and precise linguistic choices. On the other hand, interpretation focuses on facilitating spoken communication in real time, requiring quick thinking, excellent listening skills, and the ability to convey messages accurately on the spot.

Interpretation and translation skills require native or near native levels of proficiency which is why even though I know about nine languages, my working languages are only three. These are the languages I feel most confident in, I keep myself abreast of the news in all these languages, listen to the world leaders who speak them, know the ins and outs of the languages well enough to understand native speakers and make myself understood when I speak these languages in a professional and/or technical context. Training in interpretation is also important. It differs from language learning. Not everybody who can speak a language well enough can interpret. It requires years of training and practice and the learning never stops.

Translators and interpreters sometimes can easily learn new languages, but it does not mean that they can do that during a year or less. Even if they do that it does not mean that they are fluent enough to be translators or interpreters of this language. Especially when talking about any specific field of expertise.

Learning the language is only the first step and is not enough to actually be able to interpret or translate. It is also necesary to have knowledge about dialects, regionalisms and specially know enough about both parties cultural backgrounds so you can accurately convey the correct message and enable effective communication.

A translator should not only have knowledge of a language but also be aware of the target country's cultural aspects as well. Knowing your audience and how to provide them with more value is key to a remarkable translation.

To be an effective and valued Interpreter, you must have formal training in the language (via High School or College or living abroad-target country) and extensive knowledge in the industry for which you are interpreting. Constant Continuing Education is a must, in order to maintain your fluency and expertise.

No. Conference Interpreters cannot handle any type of format of professional event. Most of the interpreting work is achieved way before interpreters open up their microphones or step inside the interpreting booth. Preparation is crucial. And it is another misconception about interpreters. More often than not event planners or end clients believe we, interpreters, could improvise on any given subject. We understand languages but we need to dive into fields to soak in terminology and understand what is at stake!

Interpreters and Translators must know there strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, they should not step in to an encounter they are not familiar with or have minimal knowledge of. This is a problem for many VRI Interpreters that receive assignments for various industries. Of note is the Medical/Healthcare industry. If they don't even have the 40 Hour Medical Interpreter Course, which covers the 12 body systems in the neutral language of English, then why should they even attempt to interpret within this field?

Obviously all interpreters have their strengths and weaknesses, but in general they should be able to interpret in most settings. No one should expect them to know as much as the experts. Learning as you go is normal and you can occasionally stop to ask for clarification when necessary or to consult your resources in order to effectively interpret or translate a word correctly. That being said, if you know you are way out of your depth, then you should not accept the job or at a minimum spend adequate time studying the prep materials to be brought up to speed.

In my experience, although an interpreter can do both simultaneous and consecutive interpreting if properly trained, the skill level can vary, as well as the level in each specific area. A medical interpreter can do simultaneous and consecutive interpreting for the medical field, but may not be able to provide the same level of simultaneous versus consecutive interpreting in the legal field, even after extensive training. That's why we specialize and focus on a specific field.

Absolutely incorrect. The mode of interpreting/translating have big differences on how the interpreter/translator carry out the translating. Consecutive is the most familiar and (personally) the easiest; simultaneous is harder and would require training to get familiar with hearing, translating in the brain/noting things down, then speaking while still listening to the next sentence all at the same time - simultaneous takes a lot of brain power. Sight translating is reading and translating so it depends on how fast a person can read and translate at the same time. It's all different mode and that equal to different abilities.

We do have an issue regarding people's perception that interpreters are paid a huge amount of money. I don't really know where this comes from. There are often articles in the press denouncing the cost of interpreting in public services, with the undertone that the taxpayer should not be paying for it. It is difficult for agencies, who are being asked to bid for contracts, to offer decent rates as this is truly a race to the bottom. So there is a desire to get an interpreter to attend at a moment's notice, at a low cost, but no understanding of how it is not financially viable for interpreters.

As we say in our industry, "you pay peanuts, you get monkeys" On a more serious note, you cannot expect to have prepared and knowledgeable interpreters on your business/academic event if you do not give decent rates.

A interpreta??o é um trabalho extremamente específico. O trabalho do intérprete come?a dias, as vezes semanas ou meses antes do evento. Há muito estudo e prepara??o envolvida para que tudo saia com perfei??o. Este trabalho tem seu pre?o e seu valor. As vezes pode parecer caro, porém o pre?o de uma comunica??o mal transmitida é muito mais alto.

Also keep in mind that most translators and interpreters are freelance (by choice), and whenever you're self employed, you need to be making more per hour than someone who is employed in order to cover overhead costs, training, sick days, pension, insurance, taxes, etc. There's also prep work that goes into it. So, while a client may balk at the seemingly high per-hour rate of an interpreter, it doesn't mean the interpreter is making that per hour of their time.

Can translators and interpreters work fast and cheap? Of course not. If someone says that he or she can translate 50 pages during one day and this service is cheap it means that this translator did it using machine translation. Obviously, machine translation has its supporters. On the other hand, translators who work in any field of expertise, like technical, legal or medical texts, are aware of the fact that machine translation is not the best tool. Medical or legal texts require translator to have great knowledge on the topic and it is essential to translate the text good. What comes with it? Of course, the price of such a service.

While there are moments when translators and interpreters work independently, especially during the actual translation or interpretation process, collaboration is a fundamental aspect of our work. Effective communication with clients, collaboration with colleagues, and engagement with relevant experts contribute to the success and accuracy of language services.

Interpreters cannot work alone if the event duration lasts more than 40 minutes. Why is that? Let me ask you answer back using another question: do you want your event to fail? No you want your event to be a landmark in your community, be it onsite or online. And you also want your speakers to be heard and understood, even if they speak a different language. Interpreters usually work in pairs, sometimes in trios, to perform seamlessly on YOUR events. Know what you want to achieve before requiring interpreting services. We will help you out :-)

Translators and interpreters can work alone - this statement is false because every translator needs to have contact with the client. It is not only about the beginning of cooperation. It may happen that the translator needs to ask some additional questions about the text to translate it well. It is impossible for translator to ask all these questions before the commencement of cooperation. During the translation process it appears that the text contains mistakes and it is impossible to notice it at the first glimpse.

This is way too broad of a 'misconception.' Of course translators and interpreters can work alone. I have worked on many projects alone. I have been given a short video in ASL and been asked to transcribe it. I did it and did not need to ask for any support or feedback. It depends on the assignment. If it is a 15 minute medical consult about a common sore throat, then yes the interpreter can and should be able to work without consulting or collaborating. If it's a 3-day conference on plant genetics, then obviously they need a team, prep materials, and collaboration from the Deaf attendee.

The most common misconception I come across when working with direct clients is that if a text is translated properly then the output will always be the same regardless of who translated it. This is not true at all. A dozen translators could translate a text properly and we could still get a dozen unique translations, from different styles and lexile choices to different cadence and structure - and all of them could be equally correct. The same thing applies to interpreters: our delivery is unique, as each interpreter has their own style and will interpret according to how they understand the message shared by the speakers. So choose your translators and interpreters carefully if you care about your message in other languages!

Some people may encounter a rare language and, thinking that it would be too difficult to find an interpreter for that language, will try to just get through it without one. Sometimes they might try to use a language other than English that an LEP (Limited English Proficient) has some familiarity with; sometimes they may try to use a family member who seems to understand a bit better. This is an unacceptable practice and violates a person’s right to the same language access that other enjoy. As the CEO of a Mayan language interpretation agency, I can testify that you can find an interpreter for almost any language, if you know where to look. Using a family member as an interpreter is also unethical and unreliable.

Here’s one: that we will all accept this so-called "new AI normal" (including these silly AI-generated Linked articles) because that’s the only way to go now. Nothing could be farther from the truth. And PLEASE, also keep the below in mind: - AI is stealing other people’s work (everything used to reply to prompts and create content is harvested online without consent). - AI is seriously harming our planet (the amount of energy and water required for computation and data storage is insanely high). - AI will definitely have cognitive consequences (if you keep delegating creative and learning tasks to machines, you are using your brain less and less and impairing your thinking skills, among others).

There is this growing misconception nowadays that AI will somehow replace translators. I guess as long as you are a good translator you risk being replaced by another better translator, rather than AI.

I'm not sure about translators, but medical interpreters are not just a mouthpiece, they can also step up to be an advocate when the situation called for it. It is in their code of ethics. That said, medical interpreters are there for both sides: the hospital/clinics/doctors and the patient/client, so they shouldn't put one over the other and treat both sides respectfully.