Translation and Interpretation PDF

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION: Translation involves converting a written text from one language to another. Translators work with documents focusing on maintaining the main meaning while adapting the tone, style and readability to suit the target audience. They can revise or rev...

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION: Translation involves converting a written text from one language to another. Translators work with documents focusing on maintaining the main meaning while adapting the tone, style and readability to suit the target audience. They can revise or review their work for more accuracy and clarity. Typically, translation moves in one direction, from the source language to the target language without switching between them during the process. On the other hand, interpretation focuses on spoken languages and happens in real-time settings such as conferences, meetings, conversations, etc. They convert a spoken message into another language almost immediately and since this process is so fast, interpreters sometimes must paraphrase or simplify information adapting to the speaker’s tone and emotion maintaining clarity under time pressure. Unlike translation, Interpretation is bidirectional. TRANSLATION MODALITIES: Simultaneous Interpretation: The interpreter listens and translates at the same time as the speaker continues talking. This is commonly used in large conferences where the interpreter sits in a booth with headphones and a microphone and where immediate communication is essential. Consecutive Interpretation: The interpreter waits for the speaker to finish a section of speech and then translates it. This is used in formal events like courts or business meetings where accuracy is important. It allows the interpreter to take notes and process the information. Whispered Interpretation: The interpreter whispers the translation to a listener while the speaker is talking. This is often used in small settings where only one or two people need interpreting. Sworn Interpretation: This is used in legal settings where the interpreter’s translations must be official and certified by law. Relay Interpretation: This involves multiple interpreters when translating between languages that are not directly compatible. For example, when translating from Japanese to Spanish, the message must be first translated from Japanese to English and then from English to Spanish. Sight Interpretation: The interpreter reads the written text to translate orally on the spot. This involves converting a written text into a spoken message in the target language. It blends elements from translation( works with written texts) and interpretation(delivery orally) that makes it a hybrid modality. They must read, understand and communicate the message combining the accuracy of translation with the speed and fluidity of interpreting. The communicative function of sight translation is to convey the text’s meaning clearly and effectively in the target language. This involves adjusting the delivery to suit the context ensuring that the information is understandable and culturally appropriate for the audience. It is used in courts, conferences, meetings, or public presentations where documents need to be orally translated on the spot. It can be used in types of texts like legal documents or any written materials that need to be interpreted in real-time. SUBMODALITIES: UnPrepared Sight Translation: The interpreter reads the text for the first time and translates it immediately without any prior preparation. It requires quick comprehension and reformulation skills. Prepared Sight Translation: The interpreter has time to read and prepare the text in advance, The larger the preparation the higher quality the translation and the less effort required. It allows the interpreter to take notes. Consecutive Sight Translation: The interpreter reads the entire text before translating it orally. This is not linearly, instead, the interpreter translates after reading which makes memory a crucial aspect. Sight translation in Consecutive interpretation: This is similar to consecutive interpreting, the interpreter reformulates a text after it is read aloud by a speaker, using the text as support and not notes. Simultaneous with Text. A combination between simultaneous interpreting and sight translation where the interpreter has access to the text the speaker is reading. INSTRUMENTAL FUNCTION: Refers to a type of translation or interpretation where the translated text serves as a tool to achieve a specific purpose, independent of the original one. It focuses on the end use of the translated content ensuring that it functions effectively in the target audience. TRANSLATION STRATEGY: This involves making sure that the meaning, tone and style of the original text is accurately conveyed in the target language ensuring that the translated content serves as a practical purpose in the target context, adapting the message as needed to fit cultural and linguistic norms. PEDAGOGIC STRATEGY: The translation should be clear and understandable, especially if It’s used for teaching or educational purposes. The goal is not to mirror the original text but to adapt it to suit the audience’s learning needs. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DO RESEARCH Research is necessary before translating, especially in specialized fields, high-stakes meetings and when dealing with new subjects. Preparation ensures that the interpreter is ready to handle unfamiliar terms and cultural references. For example, An assignment negotiation needs to understand the company’s products and business context to maintain professionalism and accuracy. ROZAN’S 7 PRINCIPLES: 1. Note ideas, not words or phrases. 2. linking ideas 3. Abbreviations 4. Negation  5. Marking the Subject 6. Vertical Arrangements 7. Shifting lines for new ideas DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LONG AND SHORT CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETING In short consecutive interpreting the speaker pauses every few sentences allowing the interpreter to relay the message. This technique is often used in informal meetings or interviews. In long consecutive interpretation the interpreter waits for the speaker to finish an extended section of the speech like 5-10 minutes before interpreting. This mode requires effective note-taking and is typically used in formal events such as speeches, in court proceedings and where detailed information is shared. 5 STAGES ACCORDING TO WEBER: 1. Hearing: The interpreter perceives the sound of the speech but this alone is not enough to understand the meaning. 2. Listening: The interpreter focuses on the meaning of the speech, not just the words. 3. Analysis: The interpreter comprehends the message. 4. Memorization and Note-taking: The interpreter decides which parts to memorize and which information to note down. 5. Interpreting: This is the final stage where the interpreter delivers the message orally relying on notes and memory. THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING NOTES EFFECTIVELY: Effective note-taking is important because it helps memory, organize information and enhances accuracy. Notes helps to recall key points and structure the message clearly, ensuring the logical flow of ideas. By noting important details interpreters can deliver a more precise interpretation reducing the risk of missing key information. To improve note taking, the interpreters should find a balance between relying on memory and taking notes, avoiding the tendency to write down too much, which can also slow them down. Then, they should use symbols and abbreviations to save time and keep up with the speaker’s speed, ensuring that the notes are concise and efficient. Finally, It’s important to avoid mixing since this can lead to confusion, using one language helps to maintain clarity and speed during interpretation. Also having notes helps interpreters to reduce stress helping them to handle new terms and supports short-term memory since we can only retain a limited amount of information, finally taking notes facilitates logical delivery organizing information into a clear and coherent structure. THE ROLE OF MEMORY IN NOTE-TAKING: Memory involves a critical role in note taking since notes are intended to help memory, not replace it. Interpreters must remember parts of the message that are not written down such as emotional tone, emphasis, or details that are can’t be easily noted. A good balance between memory and taking notes ensures an accurate and fluent delivery. RISKS OF TAKING TOO MANY NOTES: Taking too many notes can lead to several problems. First, relying too much on notes can lead the interpreter to translate word-for-word instead than conveying the overall meaning of the text, which can result in a disjointed and less natural interpretation. Second, It can lead to focus too much on writing down that they can miss important parts of the message or misunderstand key details.Finally, this slows down the process turning the translation more into a reading exercise than a fluid spoken interpretation. That's why beginners should start taking notes once they have developed sufficient listening and memory skills. Early note-taking can lead to distraction and focus too much in writing instead of understanding. Experts recommend introducing it gradually. Interpreters should note down information like key ideas of the message. The goal is to capture the basic meaning, important connections and key details that help with memory during interpreting. They should prioritize key ideas, links between ideas, points of view and important details like numbers, proper names or lists. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RETRIEVAL CUES AND EXTERNALLY STORED INFORMATION: Retrieval cues are bits of information that help trigger the memory of the full message. They serve as a reminder of the main concepts and help the interpreter to reconstruct the flow of ideas during interpretation. For example, key ideas, logical links between ideas, perspectives and the use of tenses and modals to clarify timing and nuances. Meanwhile, externally stored information refers to details that are difficult to memorize. This information is noted in detail to help the interpreter´s memory. For example proper names of people, places or organizations as well as lists to ensure accuracy especially when it's provided quickly or in a format that is hard to remember. 3 PRINCIPLES FOR NOTE-LAYOUT BY JONES: -Diagonal Layout: Arrange notes from left to right in a diagonal pattern to make them easier to read. -Left-hand Margin: Important elements are placed in the left-hand margin. -Vertical Lists: Use vertical lists to keep ideas clearly separated and organized.