Translation and Interpretation

Today I have started a new graduate class called Translation and Interpretation: Theory and Practice.  This class is an overview of the profession and will provide insight into the different types of translation positions available, tools, references, business practices, and professional ethics. It’s a prerequisite course for the Spanish Translation program.

I am looking forward to this class and I have a lot of questions to ask.  I hope this course will help me to decide if I want  to be a translator only or a translator and an interpreter.  Many people don’t know the difference between a translator and an interpreter.  A translator is someone who translates a written document or text from one language to another.  An interpreter is someone who orally translates or interprets a conversation, conference, etc.

Being a translator appeals to me more because you have time to think and reflect on the best way to use your linguistic skills to translate a document.  I have limited experience with translating and interpreting and for me, interpreting is more stressful.  When you’re interpreting, you have to think fast and to come up with a way to interpret what’s being said.  You need to be able to quickly recall vocabulary and specific expressions that you may not normally use.  I’ve been asked to interpret and I’m always nervous when asked.  I’m worried my brain won’t be able to go back and forth quickly between English and Spanish.  I’m able to read, write, speak, and think in both languages but there is something about interpreting that can make my brain go blank.  I’m sure my concerns are the same concerns that many people have had who are beginning this profession.

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