A lady translating a script

The Relevance of Translation and Interpretation in the XXI Century

Introduction:

Throughout centuries, decades and years, translation and interpretation have displayed usefulness and relevance to human beings by allowing communication between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

However, translating and interpreting goes beyond changing words or sentences from one language to another. Such a process is responsible for building bridges, creating opportunities and consolidating relationships.

 

Differences between translation and interpretation

The basic concept of translators and interpreters lies under their particular skills and abilities in pursuit of their professional activities. On the one hand, a translator is an individual who portrays advanced linguists and cultural knowledge in two or more languages. He/she deals with changing written words into a different language. As a matter of example, if a South African student, who speaks English, decides to further his/her studies in France, whereby French is the official language, he/she is obliged to request an official translation of his/her certificate into the French language, by a sworn translator, to meet the French educational requirements.

On the other hand, interpreters are in charge of interpreting spoken words in a different language. They are responsible for translating speeches in meetings, gatherings, and congregations, amongst others. For instance, if a Cape Verdean Prime Minister, who speaks Portuguese, visits his Australian counterpart, an interpreter will be required to ensure that effective and precise communication is in place.  

 

Types of translation

According to Intertranslations, there are five common types of translations, as follows:

1. Literary translation involves translating literary works, such as poems, novels, etc.

2. Technical translation entails translating technical documents, such as guides, manuals, tender documents, etc.

3. Administrative translation relates to translating contracts, newsletters, invoices, letters, etc.

4. Financial translation deals with translating banking, insurance, and other financial documents.

5. Legal translation implies translating legal matters, such as court orders, laws, witness statements, and contracts, amongst others.

 

Types of interpretation

According to Big Language Solutions, there are five common types of interpretation, namely:

  1. Consecutive interpreting, whereby speakers talk for a considerable time before interpreters intervene;

2. Simultaneous interpreting, whereby interpreters do not wait for any break from the speakers to translate into the target language. That is, they interpret while speakers speak.

3. Whisper interpreting is similar to simultaneous interpreting; interpreters translate into a target language by whispering close to the participants or members during the meeting.

4. Escort interpreting interpreters accompany the speakers throughout a visit or other events by walking with them and translating everything being said while showing what is being shown.

5. Over-the-phone interpreting, interpreters perform their activities through the telephone by assisting the parties remotely.

 

Conclusion

Translation and interpretation have a strong relevance in society, whether to spread important and novel information or to establish effective communication between individuals and people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Translating and interpreting has somewhat evolved alongside the world´s development and there are many different types of translation and interpretation, whose core purpose is to capture the precise meaning of the source text or language and accurately transmit it to the target text or language, respectively.

 

Alberto Jose Majaha Muchanga Junior

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