The Business of Interpreting & Translating

Basically, there are two main types of interpretation: verbatim and simultaneous. Most interpreters do verbatim interpreting which involves translation of words and sentences from one language to another, usually from one person to another. This generally appears in court, during an insurance medical assessment or in a statement-taking sessions. Simultaneous interpreting requires special equipment as the interpreter generally sits inside a booth and simultaneously interprets what is being said by one or several speakers. This is most often seen at conferences.

Interpreters must always maintain impartiality and professionalism. Interpreters may belong to several professional associations. Most will receive accreditation from the office of the attorney general, Immigration Canada or can qualify for membership after vigorous testing in the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario, which is a founding member or the Council of Translators and Interpreters of Canada.

Translators are specialists in written communication. Generally, written text is translated on a per word basis, as opposed to the hourly rate of interpreting. The price can vary depending on the scarcity of translators or the complexity of the translation. Languages such as French and Spanish would be less expensive per word than Japanese or Tamil. Smaller assignments such as translation of a birth certificate can be done on a flat fee or an hourly rate basis.

The industry also considers terminologists as fellow professionals. As the term implies, terminologists specialize in finding the proper term in another language and creating data banks that are accessible by translators, interpreters and editors.

The interpreting and translating industry is growing at an annual rate of 15 to 60 per cent. Multi-national corporations, who wish to have their message seen on the Internet in the language of the target market, are relying more on translators. Video-conferencing has also expanded the market for interpreters.

As distances diminish, the need to communicate increases while barriers continue to fall. I hope this insight into the inner workings of the industry will help you make informed choices about your interpreting and translating needs.