This document provides an introduction to translation and interpretation. It defines key terms like translation, interpretation, source language and target language. It distinguishes between translation and interpretation, noting that translation involves written text while interpretation can be simultaneous or consecutive. It outlines the skills, qualities and training needed for those careers. It also discusses approaches to translation and the differences between translation and interpretation as professions.

1. Introduction to Translation &
Interpretation
Left-to-right (Head of French Translation Department,
Cultural Attache, Ambassador, Poet Ivan Uriarte,
Translator Rolando Tellez, UNAN Vice-Dean)
Lecture on Translation & Interpretation

5. Introduction to Translation &
Interpretation
Translation vs. Interpretation
By Rolando Tellez,
Master in Communication & Translation

6. Can I become a translator?
• The job as a translator and interpreter is
fascinating, educational, and rewarding.
To be a translator – interpreter you need:
• Training on the different translation techniques.
• Passion to work continually on both languages.
• To keep learning everyday.
• To be knowledgeable about the world.
• A computer, cable TV or short-wave radio.
• To learn relaxation techniques.

7. Basic Definitions
• Interpretation - Interpretation or interpreting, is
an activity that consists of establishing, either
simultaneously or consecutively, oral
communications between two or more speakers
who are not speaking the same language.
Translation - Translation is transfering the
meaning of a text in one language and the
production of a new, equivalent text in another
language. The final product is called a
translation.

8. Basic Translation Fields
• Simultaneous Interpretation
Consecutive Interpretation
Translation
On-sight Translation
Written Translation

9. Particular Needs of Clients
• This presentation provides a short introduction on
terminology and background information on the
differences between the various techniques and how
each requires a specific set of skills.
•
Any potential client requiring language services should
be clear about the job of a translator or an interpreter.
So, do you need a consecutive or a simultaneous
interpreter?

10. Basic Definitions
• Source language (SL) – The SL is the
original language of a text or utterance
before it is translated or interpreted.
Target language (TL) – The language into
which a text is rendered. The language a
person translates or interprets into is the
TL.
Studying translation also involves learning a
particular terminology to work with colleagues.

11. Simultaneous Interpreting
• - Usually accomplished in pairs with each
interpreter taking turns at the microphone every
30 minutes.
- Most international organizations have their
interpreters work only into the interpreters’
native language.
- Interpreters normally work in soundproof
booths, attentively listening to the speaker’s
remarks via headphones and following slightly
behind in the target language. Decisiveness is
paramount. There is no time to weigh the merits
of various renditions.

12. Simultaneous Interpreting
• - While some information may be written down
(dates, names, important facts), simultaneous
interpreters do not take notes as consecutive
interpreters do.
- It is done with the interpreter/audience using
portable equipment (microphone and
headphones).
- Most suitable for lectures, seminars and
conferences and during events at which
information generally flows in one direction.

13. Interpreting at Hilton Hotel

14. Interpretation vs. Translation
It is easy to assume that interpretation and
translation differ only in the medium: oral
or written. However, there can be great
differences in training, skills and even
some personality attributes.

15. Interpretation vs. Translation
• - A translator must write well and express herself
superbly in the target language. Ideally, the
translator is a native speaker of the target
language.
- It is imperative that the translator understands
the source language and the culture of its
speakers. The translator does not have to be as
verbally fluent in the source language as the
interpreter, but she should have a native or
near-native comprehension of the meaning and
nuance of the source text.

16. Interpretation and Translation
• - A translator should have a comprehensive set of
dictionaries and reference materials available (as
well as have a high level of expertise in using on-line
resources).
• A professional interpreter will also have these
resources, but they are more for study and
preparation and not for use while actually engaged
in interpreting.
• While a translator may specialize in a narrowly
focused subject or two, most conference interpreters
normally prepare for a wide variety of topics.

17. Interpretation vs. Translation
• - A translator’s work is more methodical and exact.
·All interpreters, but especially consecutive
interpreters, should have superior short-term
memory.
- An interpreter must have a good voice, excellent
public speaking skills. She should feel comfortable
in the spotlight.
• Consecutive interpreters tend to be more visible, as
they usually are standing or sitting beside their
principal.

18. Interpretation and Translation
• Professional interpreters and translators
comprehensively read and study in the
fields they work most often (in the target
and source languages).
While translators and interpreters do share
a love of languages and certain skill sets,
the terms are not synonymous and the
activities involved are indeed different.

19. Concepts to Keep in Mind
• Language is a dynamic system in constant
evolution (semantic extensions, new
words).
• Translation goes beyond the linguistic
level (philosophical, anthropological or
cultural, e.g. showing height of a person)
• We understand the world though our
particular cultural filters.

20. Concepts to Keep in Mind
• Knowledge schemes (different cultures
and subcultures)
• Focus on what the speakers and listeners
(writers and readers) have in common or
share
• Say the same things with different codes
(Jakobson, 1959)

21. Concepts to Keep in Mind
• Translate not only words, but also
concepts, rhetorical patterns, and even
contexts
• Grammatical structures may need to
change in another lg. to keep the message
• (Proverbs and Sayings)
• Clear message with minimum alteration of
the linguistic elements and structures

22. Concepts to Keep in Mind
• The translator has to find similarities that
exist between two worlds and use them in
favor of his readers
• Translation has purely functional nature
• Because the varied contexts and
objectives of translations, there is a need
for a translator to specialize

23. Approaches to Translation &
Interpretation
• For practising translators, the linguistic ability
functions as an instinct that can only be
developed with constant input and
contextualization (visualization).
• Main approaches to translation:
• - translation at the level of word (word for word
translation)
• - translation at the level of sentence, and
• - conceptual translation

24. Approaches to Translation &
Interpretation
• Translators and interpreters need to specialize
in a particular field of knowledge, for instance, in
business they should handle automatically terms
such as shareholders´ meetings, Minutes, profit
and loss statements, generally accepted
accounting standards.
• Name of official translations: United Nations,
Ministry (Department) of Education, OAS, IDB,
IMF, GDP, Stock Market, WB, tax authority, IRS,
WTO, PAHO, WHO, IFC. IT, ILO, etc.

25. Approaches to Translation &
Interpretation
• Common turns or linguistic shifts in the
sentence to a translated sentence, e.g.
• The inter-coder reliability indices of the
segmentation and codification of the
editorials were then determined. An inter-
coder reliability index above .80 was
obtained.

26. Approaches to Translation &
Interpretation
• At conceptual levels we have proverbs
and sayings.
Time is gold. Silence is gold. Screwed-up
but happy.
• Sharing with other translators terminology
issues.

27. Approaches to Translation &
Interpretation
• Finally, translation as a process with opportunities to
integrate the semiotic, linguistic, social, cultural and
psychological perspectives in communicating.
• Translation involves accommodation in scope of culture,
politics, aesthetics, and many other factors.
• Accommodation is also translation, a free, rather than
literal, kind of translation. In both interpreting and
translation, accommodations must be made so
communication may proceed smoothly. Accommodation
is a useful skill.

28. Good Qualities of a Translator
• - A sophisticated understanding of the foreign
language
- An understanding of the topic being translated
- An ability to transfer ideas expressed in one
language into an equally meaningful form in the
other language
- An above-average capacity to write well in the
target language (the language in which the
translation is written), using language
appropriate for the topic and readership

29. Good Translator´s Qualities
• - Broad general knowledge
- A sound knowledge of the two cultures
involved
- Mental agility
- Sensitivity and attention to detail
- An understanding of specialized
terminology in the field of the translation
and a willingness to do further research if
necessary
- Training, experience, being in touch with
the world (Internet links).

30. My Commercial
- Practical training for 6 months in what
could eventually be profitable career (or
additional income).
- - Flexitime on Weekdays (by appointment)
- Google Rolando Ernesto Tellez

31. PROFILE: Translator
• INVOLVES: Translating documents (legal,
commercial & others).
EMPLOYERS: International organisations;
multinational companies or firms;
translation agencies; Government bodies.
Many translators are self-employed
RELATED JOBS: interpreter; teacher of
English as a foreign language; bilingual
secretary.

32. PROFILE: Translator
• SATISFACTIONS: Using languages;
flexibility; independence
NEGATIVES: Work alone - may feel
isolated. Working under pressure to meet
deadlines. For freelance translators:
uncertainty; no regular work pattern; no
guaranteed salary.
SKILLS: written communication, using
languages, analyzing, using computers.

33. PROFILE: Translator
• ADVANCEMENT: Setting up own
translation agency (Localization).
DEGREE: A degree in languages will be
required. A language combined with
another relevant subject such as science,
engineering, law or business would be
particularly useful.

34. PROFILE: Translator
• POSTGRADUATE STUDY: Master or
postgraduate diploma courses in
translation is very useful.
TIPS: Experience living/working overseas,
or in a relevant business sector useful.

35. Requirement for Training
• If you think you are interested or you can
meet the above requirements, you can
contact me for some free online translation
training.
Contact me at 2289-4596
email: rolando2@fulbrightmail.org
Thank you. Q&A