Watch a Day in the Life of Translators and Interpreters

See how translators and interpreters work in this short animated video.

translator

Translators do the writing

Translators work with the written word, converting text from a source language into a target language. This is far more than replacing one word with another. The translator must also convey the style, tone, and intent of the text, while taking into account differences of culture and dialect.

Often, the finished document should read as if it had originally been written in the target language for the target audience. But this is not always the case. Highly specialized content may require the translator to retain elements of the source language culture in the target language translation. A professional translator will have the expertise to know the best approach for the translation.

Translators usually work in one direction

Some translators may be able to understand several different source languages, but in general they have just one target language—typically their native language.

Good writers in their native languages

Translators not only understand the source language but also write extremely well in the target language.

Often specialize by subject areas

Like many professional writers, translators specialize in certain subject areas, such as law, medicine, business, banking, technology, and science. Specialization requires an in-depth knowledge of the subject and its terminology in both the source and target languages

Different methods for establishing fees

Some translators price their work based on the number of words in the source language, others charge by the number of words in the target language. Some base their fees on hourly estimates. When you need a fast turnaround on a translation project, ask the translator if he or she would be willing to work longer hours for an extra fee, frequently called "rush" charges.

Rates vary by specialty and language

Rates also vary by specialty and language. In general, translating a local news article will cost less than a technical document, while an English-into-Spanish translation will usually cost less than an English-into-Chinese translation of the same document.

interpreter

Interpreters do the talking

Interpreters work with the spoken word, converting speech from a source language into a target language. This is far more than speaking two languages fluently. The interpreter must also communicate the style and tone of the speaker, while taking into account differences of culture, dialect, and setting. The listeners should hear the interpreted message as if it had been originally spoken in their own language.

Interpreters usually work in two directions

Most interpreters work bi-directionally, meaning that an interpreter often works both to and from the target and source languages.

Good speakers in their native languages

Interpreters not only understand the source language but also communicate extremely well in the target language.

The setting determines the method of interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting requires the interpreter to listen and comprehend in one language (source) while "simultaneously" providing an interpretation in a second language (target).

Settings for simultaneous interpreting include court proceedings, international meetings, television news broadcasts, and press conferences. The sessions at the United Nations are the most commonly recognized use of simultaneous interpreting.

Consecutive interpreting

Consecutive interpreting requires the interpreter to hear several complete sentences in one language (source) before the speaker stops to allow the interpreter to provide an interpretation in a second language (target).

Settings for consecutive interpreting include small meetings, person-to-person communication, and question-and-answer sessions, such as attorney-client interviews and physician-patient encounters.

Often specialize by subject areas

Interpreters often specialize in certain subject areas, such as law, medicine, business, banking, technology, science, and literature. Specialization requires an in-depth knowledge of the subject and its terminology in both the source and target languages

One common requirement

To perform effectively and accurately, interpreters must be able to hear the speaker clearly. It is also helpful—and preferable—if the interpreter can see the speaker.

Usually paid by the job

Interpreters set their rates by the length of the job—hourly, half day, or full day. If you need an interpreter for an entire day, be sure to specify whether the day is 7, 8, or more hours.

Keys to successful translation and interpreting

  1. Hire a language professional who is skilled in writing in his or her native language
  2. Look for a language professional who specializes in the subject area of your business
  3. Provide the language professional with as much information as you can about the assignment
  4. Establish the basis for the fee—word count, source or target, and rush services for translation, and hourly, half day, or all day, and the number of hours in a day for interpreters
  5. Check references and review sample translations

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