A professional interpreter
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acts as the voice and ears for each party and conveys both verbal and non-verbal messages, tone, emotion and quality of speech, all accurately, efficiently and smoothly
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is a skilled verbal communicator in both languages
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manages the flow of conversation and skillfully asks for clarification when needed without interrupting the flow
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recognizes context, nuance, innuendo, sarcasm and other communicative elements and conveys it verbally into the target language
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maintains confidentiality and adheres to best practices
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sometimes acts as an advocate and should be familiar with relevant laws and rights
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continually educates herself on the changing form of the language as well as its regional varieties, practices interpreting skills, and keeps informed of current events, discipline-specific topics and evolving technology
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is connected to both the linguistic community and other professionals and resources in her field through associations, organizations, forums and education
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Why professional interpretation
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It is often the case that a person's life depends on accurate interpretation - literally, in a hospital, or figuratively, in a court trial. Bilingual individuals may be able to easily converse in two languages, but accurate and efficient interpretation requires many more skills. Family members and children should never be used to interpret; in fact, in some states it is against the law. Family members may not have the language skills to accurately interpret words in a medical setting or courtroom; they may withhold information from medical providers; they may make their own decisions about what is or is not important rather than letting the conversation take place between the two parties; it violates confidentiality; and it places an unreasonable burden on children. Government agencies, medical providers, judges and lawyers depend on absolute accuracy and efficiency. Likewise, there may be high stakes for international businesses. It is not a job for the faint of heart.
Do you need interpreting services or want more information?
See the ATA's guide to interpreting services: Click here
More information on interpreting
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Interpretation is a fascinating enterprise and is thousands of years old. Today it is needed in social service organizations, government agencies, hospitals and clinics, courtrooms, international organizations like the United Nations, and news agencies, among others. Each setting is unique, and can be as intimate as a therapist with client or as public as the United Nations. The interpreter can work in two primary ways: consecutive or simultaneous interpreting. Simultaneous interpreting is done with no stopping - the interpreter speaks about half a sentence behind the speaker. Consecutive interpreting is when the speaker pauses after a few sentences to let the interpreter speak to the other party, and either continues or the other party responds, successively.
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VIDEOS
President Obama meets with President Mujica from Uruguay. This is an example of consecutive interpreting in a high stakes environment. Without the interpreter, this meeting could not have happened. We can observe that she has developed strong short term memory skills since she does not take notes; she has developed her skill of seamlessly transferring idiomatic expressions; we can see that Obama and Mujica are used to working with interpreters since they pause after each idea; and we can hear the interpreter convey the same tone and emotional quality in the voice when she interprets.
In this example of simultaneous interpreting, we can understand the training an interpreter needs for her specific discipline. Even if one is a native speaker of English, it does not mean one knows the language of law. While intimidating, as in any profession, it becomes easier in practice. Courtroom interpreters will hear the same phrases over and over, so once they are trained and have gained some experience, it becomes easier.