Law Translation & Interpreting

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between translation and interpreting? 

Basically, a translator works with the written language and an interpreter deals with the spoken language. The first usually works on the computer, while the second might translate orally in a conference booth or by his or her clients' side. Interpreting includes consecutive and simultaneous services.

What is consecutive and simultaneous interpreting?

On consecutive interpreting, the interpreter takes notes during the speech and waits for the speaker to make a pause. Usually, a pause is made every 10 or 15 minutes. He will then make the speech as if it was his own from the very beggining in the target language. After the interpreter is done, the speaker continues his speech and the cycle is repeated. This kind of interpreting is usually requested for small meetings and court hearings or trials.

On the other hand, a simultaneous interpreter works in a interpreting booth (sound-proof), where he listens to the speaker through headphones and speaks into a microphone. He doesn't start translating orally until he understood the main message of the speaker. This kind of interpreting is almost excusively requested for conferences, so it's often called "conference interpreting".

 

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