INTERPRETATION
Interpretation is one of the most demanded linguistic services in industries such as the wine trade. However, first I want to stress the difference there is between translation and interpretation because although they are closely related, there are some important differences.
I say this because I have spoken to many people who work in sectors outside linguistics and when they ask for translations they really mean interpretations.
So, what´s the difference? well, in translation the ideas of the original language are reflected in writing, whereas an interpreter will do this orally.
For example, the text you might read on a winery website, tasting notes or a contract are translations, but the professionals hired to translate between producers and potential buyers at a trade fair, or at a conference are interpreters.
Of course, most interpreters can translate too. However, not all translators have the skills to interpret as this requires additional skills.
For example, they need to have a good memory since they must remember important data such as names, figures and other important facts.
Moreover, the dynamics are also very different and interpreters must think on their feet to translate main concepts without delay.
Interpreters must withstand a lot of pressure and have a thorough knowledge of the topic in question at the events they attend.
What happens with consecutive and liason interpretations?
There are different types of interpretation, but here I will just mention two of the most important ones I provide.
In consecutive interpreting, the interpreter waits while speakers give part or all of their discourses in their native languages. This information must then be reflected in the target language as accurately as possible. To do so, the interpreter must have a good memory and take notes.
This type of interpreting occurs a lot at trade events and is what I used at Fenavin, the international wine fair in Ciudad Real. You might also see it at work at press confernences and other types of events.
Liason interpreting is very similar, but it usually occurs in smaller spaces such as offices. Here, the interpreter will be translating a conversation between two parties and must change language constantly.
Simultaneous interpreting
Unlike consecutive interpreting, here the interpreter translates while the speakers give their discourse. A good example of this is on the Spanish tv show El Hormiguero when the journalist interviews someone who is not a Spanish-speaker, such as Harrison Ford. He speaks English on the set, but the audience hear his words translated into Spanish by the interpreter.
It is also frequently used during conferences, both presential and remote ones because there are time constraints on them.
It is a very demanding work and interpreters need a great deal of training, concentration and stamina. In fact, they need to work in pairs and take it in turns and change every 20 minutes in order to not burn out.
Do you need an interpreter? Get in touch with me and we´ll talk about your needs.