Did St. George slay a dragon? Does the Loch Ness monster exist? Did King Arthur draw the sword from the stone? Did Robin Hood feed the poor at the expense of the rich?
Well, I can’t give answers to any of the above, but what myths I can blow out of the water for certainty are some of the common myths surrounding interpreting and the role of interpreters.
Here are 5 of the more common ones…
1. Translation and Interpreting Are the Same Thing
Translation is translating from one language into another on paper or on a computer, i.e. in writing. Interpreting is translating by speech. The two could not be any different and the skill sets needed for both professions are very different. Of course, both translators and interpreters have a high command of the language, but how they have to deal with those translations completely differs. Interpreting takes serious skill, with high levels of concentration, quick thinking and an even quicker tongue – a translator on other hand works at their own tempo, has nobody speaking in their ear and are not speaking to anyone else. Never confuse the role of the two.
2. Interpreting is Easy
A common myth about interpreting is that is it easy. You just turn up and speak a few languages, No big deal. This is a belief held usually by those who are not multilingual, with no experience of the challenges of translating accurately what someone is saying. It can be mentally exhausting. Add into this the fact that many interpreters are working in high pressure situations such as conferences, negotiations, meetings, presentations, etc and the role of a interpreter does not seem that easy after all. It is challenging work that requires not only the ability to speak languages but also a level of professionalism.
3. Interpreting is About Talking
Professional interpreters do so much more than talk. Although listening and talking are primary responsibilities, an interpreter also has lots of other things to contend with. Conference interpreters for example work in booths, usually in pairs, which requires good team work and planning skills. Within a negotiation an interpreter will often be working very hard to also act on behalf of their client’s interests, which can involve using business acumen, negotiation skills and diplomacy. An interpreter makes multitasking look easy.
4. Anyone Can Be An Interpreter
Being bilingual does not qualify someone to be an interpreter, a professional interpreter anyway. It may qualify someone to translate between friends and family or help get around when on holiday abroad, but when it comes to serious interpreting such as press conferences, diplomatic events, business meetings and court hearings, it is not sufficient. This is why interpreting is a profession, with qualifications and standards. Professionals must study before becoming an interpreter and from there spend many years climbing the ladder of experience.
5. Interpreters Just Need to Turn Up
Many people believe that when you book an interpreter they can just turn up and all will be OK. Due to the professionalism of most interpreters this is usually the case, however this does mean it is good practice. Interpreters like to know what they have ahead of them – they like to prepare. That’s why prior to a speech, the interpreter will want to read it, to check meanings of words and mentally prepare themselves. A court interpreter will want to read case notes prior to a hearing so they understand the context and who the different parties involved are. Interpreters don’t just ‘turn up’ – they like to prepare so always be sure to share any information you can with them.
Got any myths to share with us?
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