Posted on: April 2, 2022 by admin
Interpreting services help facilitate conversation between speakers of two different languages. Interpreters must decipher verbal information provided in one language and then accurately convey the speaker‘s precise meaning in a different language. They must be able to interpret both languages and switch seamlessly between both to facilitate a smooth conversation between the two parties. Interpreting can also be performed in just one direction, where one speaker addresses a group and the interpreter relays the speech in the language of the listening group. In Australia, interpreting services are commonly used in workplaces, educational, medical facilities and legal settings.
Interpreting is a vital service that allows for communication between two parties who don’t share a common language and can’t communicate directly. The interpreting process involves conveying not only the meaning of the words but also the tone and implied meaning to allow for authentic communication between the two parties. In order to achieve this, the interpreter must have a deep understanding of both languages to properly interpret slang and idioms.
In Australia, interpreters are essential in allowing non-English speakers to participate fully in society (access to health care and social services) and participate in community events. Interpreters also allow Australians to conduct business and receive information from non-English speakers.
The process of interpreting involves listening to the speaker, understanding the content, and then relaying it in another language to the listener(s). In the case of a two-way conversation, this process is then repeated back in the other direction with the interpreter switching between languages depending on the speaker and listener. The process is dynamic and follows the irregular pattern of a real human conversation. While this is the basic process of interpreting there are a number of different types of interpretations:
Consecutive – The speaker delivers a block of speech and then pauses. This provides time for the interpreter to relay the information to the speaker in the new language. The amount of speech they translate in one block may vary depending on whether they are using short consecutive interpreting (1-2 sentences at a time) or long consecutive interpreting (longer blocks or entire thoughts)
Bilateral (also known as liaison interpreting) – This form of consecutive interpreting is commonly used in business meetings. It involves interpreting between two different groups of people rather than two individuals
Simultaneous – The interpretation is delivered in real-time, with the interpreter keeping pace with the speaker, rather than waiting for them to stop speaking to begin translating. This type of interpreting allows for the most natural conversational flow between parties but requires an extremely talented interpreter
Whispered – This form of interpreting involves the interpreter whispering into the ears of the listener. It is often used in environments where is it not possible to deliver the translation through audio equipment (e.g. audio booth with microphones etc.) and only a small number of attendees require interpretation
Interpreting is a highly skilled service and the cost of interpreting services can vary depending on the type of interpretation, languages required, complexity of the dialogue and the location (online or on-site). The key factors that can influence the cost of interpreting services are:
Type of Interpretation – Interpreting assignments that require an interpreter to attend in person will attract a higher cost than remote jobs (e.g. over the phone or video call)
Language – The supply and demand of interpreters can influence the cost. If the language combination you require is one that many interpreters can accommodate, the rates will likely be lower than other niche language combinations
Information/Conversation Technicality – If the job requires the interpreter to have a high level of specialist subject knowledge (e.g. understanding of complex jargon or technical language information), this may incur an extra cost
Location – If the interpreter needs to travel to attend the interpreting job, you may need to factor in paying for their travel
Interpreting is an incredibly important service that can allow for communication between two parties with no common language. It can be used to facilitate a two-way conversation or to allow a speaker to address a group of people who do not understand the source language. If you require interpreting services, contact Speak Your Language today for all your interpreting needs.
