The Hidden World of Translators and Interpreters: More Than Just Words

TLDRTranslation and interpretation are often misunderstood as the same thing, but they involve different skills and methods. Translators work with written text, while interpreters work with spoken language. At TEDxMonterey, experts in the field shed light on the complexities of interpretation and the importance of human translators in bridging language and cultural gaps.

Key insights

🌍Translation and interpretation are distinct processes, with translation focusing on written text and interpretation focusing on spoken language.

🎙️Interpreters work in two modes: consecutive interpretation, where they listen and take notes, and simultaneous interpretation, where they listen and interpret in real-time.

🔎Interpreters require extensive training and practice to be able to process and interpret information accurately and efficiently.

💡Automated translation tools like Google Translate have limitations and cannot replace the expertise and cultural sensitivity of human translators.

❤️Language is a powerful tool for building connections and understanding between cultures, and translators and interpreters play a crucial role in facilitating communication.

Q&A

What is the difference between translation and interpretation?

—Translation focuses on written text, while interpretation focuses on spoken language.

What are the two modes of interpretation?

—Consecutive interpretation, where the interpreter listens and takes notes, and simultaneous interpretation, where the interpreter interprets in real-time.

Do interpreters use automated translation tools?

—No, automated translation tools like Google Translate have limitations and cannot replace the expertise and cultural sensitivity of human interpreters.

What skills do interpreters need?

—Interpreters need extensive training, language proficiency, and the ability to think quickly and accurately process and interpret information.

Why are translators and interpreters important?

—Translators and interpreters play a crucial role in bridging language and cultural gaps, facilitating communication, and promoting understanding between different cultures and communities.

Timestamped Summary

00:08Barry Olsen and Laura Burian, professors of translation and interpretation, discuss the misconceptions around translation and interpretation.

00:35Translation is written, while interpretation is spoken.

01:11Interpreters provide simultaneous interpretation in multiple languages at events like TEDxMonterey.

01:23Simultaneous interpretation requires interpreters to listen and interpret in real-time, while consecutive interpretation involves note-taking and interpreting after the speaker has finished.

04:00Consecutive interpretation involves listening to the speaker, taking notes, and then interpreting into another language.

06:25Simultaneous interpretation is not truly simultaneous, as interpreters need time to process and reformulate ideas in the target language.

08:32Automated translation tools like Google Translate have limitations and cannot replace the expertise and cultural sensitivity of human translators.

09:21Nelson Mandela's quote highlights the importance of speaking to people in their own language to reach their hearts.

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