What are consecutive and simultaneous modes of interpretation?
Simultaneous interpretation is appropriate when the party requiring interpretation is listening (most often with earphones) to a speaker, court proceedings, etc.
Consecutive interpretation is used during discussions or questioning, and when circumstances do not allow for more than one person to speak at a time (e.g. by telephone).
Why is translation often one-directional, while interpretation goes both ways?
Written language is, by nature, more complex and precise than spoken. It is extremely uncommon for translators to take on translation of documents requiring perfect grammar and style into anything but their native language. Hence, with the exception of short informal documents, I generally do not undertake to translate from English into Russian unless I am working with a trained editor who is a native speaker of Russian.
Can you interpret Ukrainian? (or: Is Ukrainian different from Russian?)
Ukrainian and Russian are indeed very closely related; both belong to the East Slavic sub-group of Slavic languages. While they bear many similarities, they are distinct languages. However, because Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, where Russian was the lingua franca, until the early 1990's, the vast majority of people from Ukraine are fluent in Russian as well. The best rule of thumb is to simply ask the person in need of an interpreter if Russian is acceptable.
Why should I hire a professional interpreter instead of my neighbor from Russia who speaks English really well?
Interpretation is a very specific and demanding skill which requires more than the excellent knowledge of two languages. Simultaneous interpreters must actively switch between two languages across two modalities: they listen and speak at the same time, a highly complex cognitive skill. Consecutive interpretation, on the other hand, requires both exceptional knowledge of both languages and a superb ability to recall passages of several sentences or more. Certified interpreters undergo rigorous testing, learn and must adhere to a strict code of ethical conduct and comply with continuing education requirements.
When do interpreters work in pairs and why?
So-called "team interpreting" is the norm for sign-language interpreters in the U.S. So should it be for language interpreters any time the proceeding or event is expected to last for more than an hour in the simultaneous mode, or a few hours in consecutive mode. Numerous studies have shown that the accuracy rate begins to decline after about 20 minutes, regardless of whether the interpreter is aware of any fatigue. In other words, no matter how good or stalwart the interpreter, the quality of output invariably diminishes. When working in a team, interpreters will relieve each other at regular intervals, usually 15 to 30 minutes, and be on hand during the "off" time to assist their partner. Many courts in Washington will automatically assign a team of two interpreters for trials or long motion hearings, but we still have a long way to go in order to make the practice universal.
What's the funniest thing you've ever had to interpret (and keep a straight face)?
During witness testimony. Question from attorney on cross examination: "Is it not true, sir, that English uses the Western alphabet and Russian, the acrylic alphabet?" (if you're not laughing yet, hint: while artists may choose to express themselves in acrylic, Russians use Cyrillic.)
Simultaneous interpretation is appropriate when the party requiring interpretation is listening (most often with earphones) to a speaker, court proceedings, etc.
Consecutive interpretation is used during discussions or questioning, and when circumstances do not allow for more than one person to speak at a time (e.g. by telephone).
Why is translation often one-directional, while interpretation goes both ways?
Written language is, by nature, more complex and precise than spoken. It is extremely uncommon for translators to take on translation of documents requiring perfect grammar and style into anything but their native language. Hence, with the exception of short informal documents, I generally do not undertake to translate from English into Russian unless I am working with a trained editor who is a native speaker of Russian.
Can you interpret Ukrainian? (or: Is Ukrainian different from Russian?)
Ukrainian and Russian are indeed very closely related; both belong to the East Slavic sub-group of Slavic languages. While they bear many similarities, they are distinct languages. However, because Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, where Russian was the lingua franca, until the early 1990's, the vast majority of people from Ukraine are fluent in Russian as well. The best rule of thumb is to simply ask the person in need of an interpreter if Russian is acceptable.
Why should I hire a professional interpreter instead of my neighbor from Russia who speaks English really well?
Interpretation is a very specific and demanding skill which requires more than the excellent knowledge of two languages. Simultaneous interpreters must actively switch between two languages across two modalities: they listen and speak at the same time, a highly complex cognitive skill. Consecutive interpretation, on the other hand, requires both exceptional knowledge of both languages and a superb ability to recall passages of several sentences or more. Certified interpreters undergo rigorous testing, learn and must adhere to a strict code of ethical conduct and comply with continuing education requirements.
When do interpreters work in pairs and why?
So-called "team interpreting" is the norm for sign-language interpreters in the U.S. So should it be for language interpreters any time the proceeding or event is expected to last for more than an hour in the simultaneous mode, or a few hours in consecutive mode. Numerous studies have shown that the accuracy rate begins to decline after about 20 minutes, regardless of whether the interpreter is aware of any fatigue. In other words, no matter how good or stalwart the interpreter, the quality of output invariably diminishes. When working in a team, interpreters will relieve each other at regular intervals, usually 15 to 30 minutes, and be on hand during the "off" time to assist their partner. Many courts in Washington will automatically assign a team of two interpreters for trials or long motion hearings, but we still have a long way to go in order to make the practice universal.
What's the funniest thing you've ever had to interpret (and keep a straight face)?
During witness testimony. Question from attorney on cross examination: "Is it not true, sir, that English uses the Western alphabet and Russian, the acrylic alphabet?" (if you're not laughing yet, hint: while artists may choose to express themselves in acrylic, Russians use Cyrillic.)
Got any burning questions you'd like to see answered here? Send them to me: linda@nobletranslation.com
