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Translation & Interpretation

A Global Career

By Masud Hasnainmhasnain@clearedtranslators.com

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What is Translation?

Transferring written text from a source language into the target language while maintaining the author’s intent

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What is Interpretation?

Interpretation is the transfer of spoken speech from a source language into a target language while maintaining the speaker’s intent.

Interpreters must go in both directions, so they have to speak both equally well.

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Basic Definitions:

From: Source Language

To: Target Language

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Language Pair is

Source Language + Target Language

Arabic/EnglishEnglish/Arabic

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What gets translated?• Business contracts• Government documents• Court/Legal documents• Personal documents• Literary works• Software • Film sub-titles• Advertisements• Medical records

ANYTHING IN TYPE!

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Types of Interpreting:

Consecutive

Simultaneous / Conference

Voice-Over

Transcription

Escort

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Where do Translators and Interpreters Work?

As Free-lancers / Independent Contractors

In-house• Business• Hospitals• Legal / Courts• Government• Literary• Technology / Computers• Government / U.N. / Consulates • Escort

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How can I qualify to be a translator?Knowledge of foreign language(s) EducationExcellent writerAttention to detailComputer literateAble to focus and follow throughReliable & professionalFlexible

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To be a translator you mustKnow the target language perfectlyUnderstand the source language very wellBe prepared to study and review grammar regularlyHave access to appropriate dictionariesBe a good proofreader or get someone elseRead regularly in both your languagesKnow the culture(s) of the people that speak the languages that you work with

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How do I qualify to be an interpreter?Have a pleasant voiceEthicalReliable & professionalEducatedHave patienceFlexibleExperiencedAccessible

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To be an interpreter you must...Know both the source and target languages equally well

Must use the tone of the original speaker

Must convey the speakers’ exact messages

Have a great store of knowledge in your short or long-term memory

Learn as many dialects and regional jargon as possible within your languages

Keep your cool under pressure and tension

Establish trust with those you work for

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Some Interpretation Specialties

SchoolsCourt/JudiciaryMedicalConferencesEscort or seminar (State Dept.)Diplomatic/EmbassiesMany more …

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Necessary InvestmentsHave a computer and Internet access

Software in both your languages

Learn to use Word

Membership in ATA and local translation association

Have office space or space in a home office

Have business cards, résumé and brochure

Dictionaries & reference materials

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Translation Tools

http://www.google.com/translatehttp://www.microsofttranslator.com/http://www.freetranslation.com/http://translation.imtranslator.net/http://www.trados.com/http://www.atril.com/http://www.across.net

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Translation & Interpretation Organizations

NCATA: National Capital Area Translation Association www.ncata.org

ATA: American Translators Association www.atanet.org

NAJIT: National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators www.najit.org

AIIC: International Association of Conference Interpreters www.aiic.net

National Center for State Courts www.ncsconline.org.

National Council on Interpreting in Health Care – NCIHC www.ncihc.org

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Practice interpretation with a relative or a friend

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Q & A