Category: Interpretation

International language and interpretation services are an important part of a globally connected workforce. The demand for language assistance is growing as business interactions become increasingly complex.  Businesses that fail to adapt in an increasingly globalised world are running the risk of being left behind. We can say that international business and languages come together nowadays.

If you’re not working with an international language and interpretation service, then you’re missing out on opportunities to gain revenue and expand your business.

 

What Are International Language and Interpretation Services?

When the world seems to be getting smaller, language barriers can still be a problem. A popular solution to this is to reach out to an interpreter or translator. These professionals are trained to help you make your point and understand what others have said in a language you don’t speak.

 

What Is The Difference Between An Interpreter And A Translator?

Many people mistakenly use the terms interpreter and translator interchangeably, but in reality, they’re two very different professions.

A translator typically works with written documents, while an interpreter mainly works with spoken messages. Translators often take deeper dives into subject matter than interpreters do. But because interpreters have to work quickly and accurately, they must focus on what they’re doing to convey the right message at the right time. This, as you can imagine, requires an immense level of dedication and skill.

Translation services are regularly used in a variety of industries. They are vital in the process of translating and formatting written content into different languages. Companies that specialize in translation offer services for contracts, legal documents, advertising materials, and websites.

 

Should I Use An Interpreter Or A Translator?

 

When direct communication between people is not possible, a certified interpreter is needed to facilitate communication. Without an interpreter, words can get lost in translation — both literally and figuratively. In the worst cases, a lack of interpreter or miscommunication can lead to painful or costly mistakes. When there is no interpreter physically present, the speaker must deliver their message as clearly as possible. This will make the interpretation process more straightforward and accurate for the interpreter.

A professional translator can turn your words and the content of your business into a reality for a variety of different customers. A translator knows how to not only convert words from one language into another but also how to create an experience. Without a translator, your message could be lost in translation — or, probably worse, misinterpreted entirely.

 

Why Interpretation Is Important

Language is a powerful tool. It can bridge cultures and create bonds, enabling greater understanding between people who speak different languages. But if not performed with care, it can also serve to divide. 

A translation into new languages is a must for any business that hopes to enter or gain market share on an international stage. Translations increase the accessibility of your online presence, letting you reach a wider range of customers.

 

Types of Interpretation Services

Interpretation services can help you communicate with the world by providing you with a full range of interpretation services.

Some of the most popular interpretation services include:

Simultaneous / Live Translation

Simultaneous interpretation is the art of delivering a message to an audience in their language. Unlike consecutive interpretation, which involves getting a speaker’s words translated and delivered to an audience in instalments, simultaneous interpretation involves getting the words translated and delivered all at once.

Enabled by simultaneous interpretation equipment such as booths, transmitters, and headsets, the process is capable of delivering quality translations to large audiences in mere seconds.

A great example of this type of interpreting happens at the United Nations, where delegates from participating countries come together for meetings. Important functions like this require language to be a bridge instead of a barrier.

Consecutive Interpretation

Consecutive interpretation is the process of translating what you hear after listening to a speaker’s message completely. Unlike simultaneous interpretation, successive interpretation delays the messaging process by a few seconds.

It’s the perfect option for when you need to communicate with a large group. It’s also ideal for situations where technology is limited or when your interpreter needs to take a moment to recreate the message and communicate it in a compelling manner.

An example of consecutive interpretation is when President Obama met Prime Minister Maliki.

Remote / Telephone Interpretation

Remote interpretation has become a vital tool for the business world. With the spread of global pandemics like COVID-19, organizations have begun holding virtual conferences in order to accommodate as many remote attendees as possible. While there are some challenges involved with holding an event remotely, many of them can be overcome with the help of a remote interpreter — and of course, the right technology.

Remote interpretation can be done both simultaneously or consecutively, and there are many options for achieving your event goals. In-person interpreters are available in multiple languages at all times through Zoom or Gotomeeting — so you can easily incorporate them into your event.

Conference Interpretation Services

Conferences are all about sharing ideas. But language has become one of the most significant barriers that have been preventing ideas from spreading across borders. Conference interpreters present the opportunity to communicate with people who speak different languages in the same space.

With the help of interpretation services, businesses can reach out to a wider audience while bridging international gaps. These services provide a new way for companies to exchange ideas with clients, partners, and consumers.  This helps them grow profitably by building stronger relationships with global communities.

 

Selecting The Right International Language And Interpretation Services For Your Needs

If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably realized by now that you need to know more than just English. Whether you’re trying to do business with clients from other countries, trying to make connections with customers from other areas in your own country, or just looking to expand your horizons, understanding other languages and cultures is a great way to get there.

Interpreters have a responsibility to ensure that they are providing an accurate interpretation for every meeting, presentation, or speech. Professional language interpretation services ensure this by being present at each event and carefully following the instructions of the speaker. Interpreters also have years of experience that help them anticipate any new terminology or concepts that may be used in a meeting or presentation.

 

Working With Professional Interpreters That Understand Your Industry

A professional interpreter can make all the difference in ensuring clear communication during your international meeting or event — but be wary of choosing the wrong one. When hiring for an interpreting or translation job, it is important to find someone who understands the context of the source language and will convey that meaning into the target language fluently and correctly.

Most professional international interpretation services work with a variety of interpreters with experiences across different industries. Working with a professional will enable you to find an interpreter who speaks your language, understands your business, and can communicate your message across borders.

By understanding the nuances of your industry, international language and interpretation services ensure that when you pitch your product to new clients in a foreign tongue, it’ll make the right impact.

 

Conclusion

Language barriers are common in the business world, especially when a company is trying to expand overseas. Language and translation services are crucial in order to break down those barriers. Using a professional language and interpretation service will help your company communicate more effectively with its international partners and employees.

We very commonly hear, “a translator and an accredited interpreter are the same”. Never pay heed to this misconception because it is wrong to define the same roles and responsibilities for both.

An interpreter’s role is significantly different from a translator. Yes, not many are aware of it because even in the movies they use it as identical. A translator creates a document by translating the original language word by word, whereas an interpreter tries to make several speakers understand each other in the midst of a conversation. 

So that’s the huge basic difference between both, and if you love this role and wanna fine-tune your skills as an accredited interpreter, read on!

 

1. Learn the Language REALLY WELL!

Yes, the rule of thumb is to master the language until you attain a professional or native level proficiency. To be honest, learning grammar ISN’T THE ONLY thing because you know while speaking the language, native speakers have their very own endearing slang and colloquial usages so you have to be abreast with the language and there is no compromise in it at all. 

Not being able to convey the actual meaning of what the communicator intended, may lead to grave issues in the future. This may stand as a major roadblock in your career if you want to see yourself conquering heights as a good accredited interpreter.

Make efforts to speak with native speakers through various apps or even try watching several movies available on OTT platforms. These constant efforts from your side to be a fluent speaker can pay you really well in the long run. 

 

2. Decide Which Interpreter You Want To Be

Confused? Well, we have sorted it out for you! You are not confined to one category if you have decided to be an interpreter. Multiple professions require a very efficient accredited interpreter.  Read further to know about the different interpreters in the market.

(a) Medical interpreters –  In the field of medicine, they need medical interpreters to literally comprehend the medical language, and explain what is being conveyed. Like we all know, medical terminologies are easily understood only by medical professionals, so if you are really interested to be in this field you need to make sure that you take extra efforts to stand out and learn a lot about medical privacy laws and so on. 

(b) Legal interpreters – Just like medical documents even courts use specific terminologies in their legal documents. A common man finds it really hard to fathom. Therefore, while venturing into buying a property/land or if somebody receives a court notice, the legal interpreters need to get to the bottom of the document and explain what is said.

(c) Diplomatic interpreter – The term itself gives away the meaning! When diplomats from various countries assemble for a world-famous gathering or an official visit, not everyone understands the foreign language. So the only way to make sense of the entire communication is with the help of diplomatic interpreters. 

(d) Simultaneous interpreter or consecutive interpreter –  Several fields require you to translate immediately after listening to the speaker. This is called a simultaneous interpreter.  Some require you to interpret what’s being said just after several minutes of hearing and this is called a consecutive interpreter. 

A major example to quote is the Miss World and Miss Universe competitions that we watch every year with immense interest. We thoroughly listen to the interpreters on the dais without a flutter, grasping it word by word. The interpreters are amazing and interpret whatever the speaker says without the slightest mistake. So now you know what a consecutive interpreter or a simultaneous interpreter is! 

 

3. Get Credible Certifications

Image Courtesy @Lewis Keegan on UnsplashIf you want to be a reliable interpreter you need to get certifications from several world-class institutes. Having a certificate isn’t mandatory but if you have one in your kitty then it is definitely an add-on to your illustrious career as an accredited interpreter. 

For being a medical interpreter the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters offers several courses and tests to be a great accredited interpreter. For court interpreters, in the US, they have the National Centre for State Courts. Similarly, if you want to find an institute in your respective field, kindly Google for the institutes, and you are sure to find one.

4. Enroll in universities for professional degrees

If you are a geek and nerd, then certificate courses from reputed institutes may not be your thing. You would like to dive in deep to learn the language more intricately. If that’s the scenario, may nothing stop you from enrolling in some good universities that teach you the foreign language knee-deep!

Having a Bachelors’ degree or Masters’ in the same can enhance your confidence as an interpreter.  Needless to say that it is definitely gonna be a fine feather on your cap as an accredited interpreter.

5. Allot Some Time Every Day to Communicate With the Natives

Hmm, we know you are bewildered by this! But in the digital world isn’t it possible to find some time to communicate with native speakers to understand the language even more? There are a plethora of websites that help you in connecting with the speakers. You can even speak to several phone interpreters who are more than willing to communicate with you every day.

Every day there is a new word or slang that erupts out of nowhere in this digital world. So to be so accustomed to the evolving trends you need to really work hard if you need to make it considerably big in this industry. So a little every day can help you reach heights.

If you are finding it hard to speak to a phone interpreter on a daily basis, be a member of any professional association of interpreters. By being a part of it, there will be no dearth in communicating with anyone for the respective language you are trying to be a pro at.

 

6. Try Writing a Diary or a Passage in the Language

You do not have to frown when you hear writing. When you are learning a language, trying to utilize it the right way is really IMPORTANT! So when you endeavor into writing, especially in a language you aren’t that comfortable with, it helps you in learning new words and broaden your ideas while communicating. 

This is a good way to master the language because in the future when you try to interpret the language you will be fortunate enough to use synonyms of a word. This will ultimately pave the way to more powerful and reliable interpretations. 

Conclusion

We hope these 6 ideas will help you stay focused on your great journey towards being an accredited interpreter. Don’t be disheartened if you are finding it hard to interpret several languages the way you aspire to be. As the saying goes “there are no shortcuts in being successful”. Follow these 6 steps every day and you are sure to have a flourishing career as an accredited interpreter.

Professional sign language interpreters work in two ways: they provide an oral interpretation for hearing people of what a deaf or mute person is signing, and/or they provide a sign language interpretation for a deaf person of what a hearing person is saying. The interpreter provides a communication bridge between someone using a signed language and someone using an oral language.

In this article, I will share the unique facts about the Sign Language Interpreter profession.

1. Different Types of Sign Language

Did you know that there are many different types of sign language? Just like our spoken language, there are variations to sign languages too. We have listed some for you below:

American Sign Language (ASL)

People in the United States use a sign language called American Sign Language (ASL). ASL language development comes from French Sign Language, Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language, and other local sign languages. When viewed from the cues to describe the alphabet, ASL only spells it with the fingers of one hand.

ASL and BSL are two separate languages that arose independently of each other. Although some signs appear similar to other’s, the lexicon is largely quite different in each language.

UK, Australia and New Zealand Sign Language (BANZL)

British Sign Language (BSL) is a form of sign language in Britain that involves hand movements, gestures, body language and facial expressions to communicate. Predominantly, people who are either deaf or have a hearing impairment use BSL.

Australia and New Zealand have a language similar to BSL. Therefore, it is often referred to as the British, Australian and New Zealand Sign Language (BANZL). BANZL uses 2 hands to draw the alphabet.

French Sign Language (FSL)

French Sign Language (FSL) basically influences other sign languages such as ASL, Irish Sign Language (ISL), Russian Sign Language (RSL), and others. Although similar to ASL, which uses one hand for spelling the alphabet, there are still minor differences across the sign language.

Fact #2: Shortage of Professional Sign Language Interpreters

The existence of sign language interpreters is the key to helping mitigate communication problems, but today there are fewer and fewer.

It occurs in almost all sign languages, for example, ASL interpreters. The shortage of ASL interpreters can especially happen in rural parts of America. Because there are fewer deaf people, and those who live in the area may face more issues accessing or affording interpreters.

Usually, a professional sign language interpreter holds an undergraduate degree in American Sign Language and a joint certification from the National Association of the Deaf and the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

The shortage is also exacerbated when interpreters take the test to be certified but cannot work right away because of a lack of ASL graders.

For those who are still in school and planning their future careers or those who are planning to switch career lines, you can consider this. It may be your calling.

Fact #3: Sign Language Degree Program Exists For Aspiring Interpreters

Studying for a sign language degree can best be done abroad in the country whose system you want to learn. It will grant students the opportunity to practice the sign skills they have learned in real life. Study sign language abroad in the United States, for example, where students can master American Sign Language.

You can start learning ASL by attending a sign language class, along with downloading an application, watching videos on social media. We can find Sign language classes at community colleges, universities, libraries, churches, organizations/clubs of the deaf, and many other places. You can also expand your knowledge of ASL by practicing your signs with people who are deaf or hard of hearing and also know ASL.

Not only learning sign language, but you are also led to being more patient, empathetic, sensitive, and can handle how to deal with deaf people.

Fact #4: Learning from Fellow Deaf Friends

The most proficient and effective way to learn sign language is to get in the habit of interacting with deaf friends as often as possible. Because that way, implementing their knowledge becomes more effective and efficient.

The method used by Deaf friends to communicate, among others, is using mother tongue, for example, BISINDO (Indonesian sign language), verbal language and writing.

BISINDO is an Indonesian sign language that uses hand gestures and expressions. The general public often uses it. For verbal language, it is usually in the form of lip movements or expressions. And, if a deaf friend does not understand the mother tongue or BISINDO, he can use written language.

There are two languages ​​of deaf friends, SIBI (Indonesian sign language system) and BISINDO. BISINDO uses two-handed movements, and SIBI uses one hand.

SIBI uses one hand, while BISINDO uses two hands.

BISINDO does not use word sequences, while SIBI uses word sequences. BISINDO is easier to understand, while SIBI is sometimes difficult to understand because there is a sequence of words that not everyone can understand.

We also need to know that every region in Indonesia has its own deaf culture. It also means that the use of sign language in each region also varies.

Fact #5: Interpreters Should Have a High Sense of Love and Empathy

Besides having the ability to master sign language, a sign language interpreter should have compassion and empathy. The work of a sign language interpreter requires patience, compassion, flexibility, and a heart of service.

Without the empathy shown for people with disabilities, especially deaf people, sign language becomes more difficult to understand.

Fact #6: Meet People and Travel the World For Work

Many sign language interpreters relish the opportunity to travel locally and internationally as a part of their interpreting-related work. When they got an invitation to interpret for a study abroad, a cruise, or an organized tour, they accept the assignment with joyful anticipation. These assignments do indeed offer sign language interpreters important opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfilment.

Fact #7: One of The Most Challenging Professions

Deaf people have different abilities. Some are easy to understand, some are hard to understand. The biggest challenge is in explaining so the deaf can understand.

If you are an interpreter for public events and television, the speaker is too fast to talk; you have to be patient and calm. Because you have to do two things at the same time. Listen to resource speakers and translate them for other deaf people.

To conclude

That is the fact about sign language interpreters. I hope you will become more confident in this profession, or at least you will learn basic sign language to facilitate communication between deaf people and those who are hearing.

If you plan on becoming a professional Sign Language Interpreter, you may search for some colleges on the trusted website.

And if you need an interpreter for a sign language other than BSL or ASL, you can find a skilled sign language interpreter in several credible interpreter providers that can work offline or online.