Comments on: Translators and interpreters

By: Using audio media to practice interpreting « Thoughts On Translation

Using audio media to practice interpreting « Thoughts On Translation — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:18:24 +0000

[...] your clients. Recently, I found that I’m far from the only translator who fantasizes about doing some interpreting in addition to my regular translation [...]

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:27:35 +0000

I have the same self doubts about moving into the field of interpretation, though it seems to be my dream job…my main problem (at this stage) would be my mumbling!

By: Sophie REMY

Sophie REMY — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:16:10 +0000

Many thanks for your interesting post Corinne.
I think a major problem here is that most people are convinced there is absolutely no difference between translating and interpreting, whereas we know these two activities require quite different skills.
As far as the introvert/extrovert theory is concerned, I’d rather say that translating is more about being collected and patient, two qualities which aren’t incompatible with extraversion. As MT was saying, there are exceptions to every rule! (and this also applies to interpreters of course!)

By: L’observatoire de la traduction » Blog Archive » Etes-vous plutôt traducteur ? Ou plutôt interprète ?

Thu, 21 May 2009 16:42:40 +0000

[...] un excellent billet de Corinne McKay sur Thoughts on Translation. Elle analyse cette fois-ci les différences de [...]

By: John Bunch

John Bunch — Mon, 11 May 2009 03:36:25 +0000

Good essay, as usual.

Actually, interpreting and translating are two very different skill sets. Where I got my translation degree, in Germany, we had a fully separate interpreter education and degree, and the skills and training required are very different.

By: MT

MT — Sat, 09 May 2009 20:27:22 +0000

Oh my God, you get your teeth cleaned FOUR times a year?! And here I thought I was excessive at three!!!

I like the introvert/extrovert theory. It fits for me. I’m sure there must be plenty of exceptions… but I’m not one of them.

Another big difference is that you have to be really bilingual and dynamic in your second language to interpret. Also there has to be a market for interpreting in that direction (not much market for some of the smaller languages)…

By: Hayley Armstrong

Hayley Armstrong — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:43:56 +0000

Thanks for this post, Corinne. I found it really interesting.

Personally I am on the extrovert end of the scale and I would love to interpret, though I have not yet taken the plunge. A colleague of mine was strongly recommending that I do, and I found listening to her experiences very inspiring. The main reason I haven’t taken the plunge yet is due to difficulty in finding training opportunities. I am from Australia, I live in Mexico and I also work as a musician. At one stage I did look into formal training in interpreting at the masters level in Australia, but it wasn’t really viable for me, because of (a) cost factors, and (b)because I move around a lot with the music work and the courses were only offered internally. If anyone knew of online/external training for Spanish-English interpreting, or of a course offered in Mexico, I would really appreciate the heads-up!

Despite this, I also really enjoy translating. So far I have found it to be an excellent way to complement my other activities and I find it rather fascinating. And the best thing about it is that it is very portable. I only really need my laptop and an internet connection.

By: Luis

Luis — Fri, 08 May 2009 21:06:59 +0000

I agree that interpreters and translators are of different species. : ) Could one theorize that interpreters tend to be extroverts and translators introverts? I like translation because it allows me to work on my own, uninterrupted, in front of a computer. It’s hard to imagine myself interacting and speaking in front of a public.

I write about translation over at mondragonluis.wordpress.com, in case you want to read about the point of view of a mexican translator.

By: Holly

Holly — Fri, 08 May 2009 07:04:36 +0000

Chiming in as someone who mostly translates but also interprets…

For me, doing both brings a great balance to my life. I think in general I am better equipped for translation – I like to take my time, get it right, double check, check again, turn it in knowing it’s right.

At first, interpreting was a huge challenge. But I feel it’s been very good for me to learn to think on my feet and work on those social skills you mentioned and speaking skills, as well. Just a few weeks ago someone paid me a great compliment: “When I first heard you interpret six years ago, you were totally monotone. But now you have a great speaking voice.” I was elated! That change came through practice.

If it still intrigues you, maybe you could do some pro bono French>English interpreting to develop that skill set?

Here is a great online resource with some exercises to develop interpreting skills:

http://interpreters.free.fr/language/langacquis.htm

By: Johanka

Johanka — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:57:31 +0000

I can totally relate, too! The introverted geeky me has hated group activities ever since kindergarten. At the time I was launching my translation career, it felt intimidating when so many people just assumed that I was going to interpret as well.
On the other hand, I too have a dirty secret, since both the colleague I look up to who interprets for the European Parliament AND Nicole Kindman’s character in _The Interpreter_ kind of make want to try simultaneous interpreting as well. (Shouldn’t be too hard when you sit in the cabin all by yourself..?)