Posted on: March 19, 2024 by admin
Have you ever wondered why we need interpretation services? Despite their importance in our interconnected world, there are many misconceptions about language interpretation and how it works. Often, these misconceptions can create barriers and prevent those who need language services from experiencing their benefits. In this blog, we’ll explore some of these common myths and explain why they are incorrect. We’ll also seek to unpack where these assumptions come from and how we can avoid them in the future of interpreting. Read on to discover the impact of professional interpretation services and the value that they bring to society.
For any expert, perhaps the most frustrating assumption out there is that interpretation is simply a word-for-word conversion. Anyone who has ever learned a second language will know that this is very much not the case. Much more goes into interpreting one language into another, including considering contextual or cultural differences, expressions and colloquialisms. A simple substitution of words can lead to inaccuracies and make conversation confusing and frustrating, potentially offending. Individuals likely make these assumptions because they underestimate the complexity of language. Keep in mind, that there are over 7000 official languages in the world. They are not just a collection of words that can be easily switched with another language’s equivalent; they are intricate systems determined by a mix of culture, history and social norms. Excellent, trained interpreters understand how to navigate nuances and accurately communicate the meaning and intent of what is being said originally.
In our globalised world, being bilingual is an incredibly valuable skill, but it does not necessarily mean that someone is qualified to be a professional interpreter. As touched on above, interpretation services require specific linguistic skills, a deep understanding of cultural differences, and specialised knowledge of the subject matter being interpreted as well. They must be exceptional at managing complex linguistic tasks in real-time, such as simultaneous interpretation or consecutive interpretation, where they need to quickly process information in one language and accurately convey it in another without missing nuances or context. Additionally, interpreters must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively facilitate communication between parties who may not share a common language. Similar to how language is oversimplified in understandings of interpretation, so too is the role of the interpreter. Professionals must be certified under the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) with expert knowledge in industry-specific fields. While being bilingual is great in informal settings when it comes to areas such as law, medicine, business and more, interpretation services are the way to go.
Over the past few years, there have been growing concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) will become a replacement for a variety of professions. However, while machine translation has improved significantly over the last decade, it is far from perfect, and frequently ignores the nuance, context, and cultural understanding that human translators can provide. It can struggle with critical thinking and the creativity required to work through challenging interpretation material, including thick accents and regional differences, and may often provide generalised information where specificity is needed. Particularly for services such as telephone interpreting or Auslan interpreting and in specialised fields such as medical interpreting where accurate translations are essential, AI software cannot be relied upon to deliver.
As explored briefly, it’s a common misconception to assume interpreters can apply their unique skills to any topic of conversation. Industry-specific context is also essential to ensure complete understanding. In the realm of interpretation services, the subject matter is a language in and of itself. Take legal interpretation services, for example. These services encompass a wide range of legal fields, including civil law, criminal law, corporate law, and international law, each with its own terminology, conventions, and nuances. An interpreter working in the legal domain must not only be fluent in the languages being spoken but also possess a deep understanding of legal concepts and procedures in both the source and target languages. Moreover, legal interpreters must adhere to strict confidentiality and accuracy standards. The consequences of mistranslations in the field of law can be severe, potentially leading to legal disputes, financial losses, or even jeopardising individuals’ rights.
While interpreters must be impartial and professional at all times, the idea that they are entirely invisible during on-site interpreting and other sessions is not entirely accurate. Interpreters are active participants in communication and are required to react and adapt accordingly to keep the flow of the conversation consistent. They may need to clarify, summarise or intervene during conversations and may also offer cultural insights or explanations to bridge cultural gaps between clients. Their role is not merely to transmit words from one language to another, but to ensure smooth and meaningful exchanges, something that requires active engagement and responsiveness.
From oversimplifying language to misunderstanding the profession entirely, several misconceptions about interpretation services persist today. These common myths can be damaging to society, producing barriers for those who require such services and hindering effective communication across different cultures and languages in Australia. Break through these barriers and foster true understanding with professional interpretation services such as Speak Your Language. Contact us today to understand the power of accurate communication.
