Poll: Which is more challenging? Лице кое објавува дискусија: ProZ.com Staff
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| | | I perform only one of these services | Sep 21, 2014 |
I once accepted a one and a half day interpretation assignment for a deposition primarily because it involved automobiles and discussion centered around quality assurance and inspection procedures, which I'm quite well-versed in.
The questioning went like this during the entire proceedings:
Lawyer: Do you think that road testing procedures in your company are adequate? Please answer 'Yes' or 'No.'
Witness: Well, please let me answer first by explaining that ......... See more I once accepted a one and a half day interpretation assignment for a deposition primarily because it involved automobiles and discussion centered around quality assurance and inspection procedures, which I'm quite well-versed in.
The questioning went like this during the entire proceedings:
Lawyer: Do you think that road testing procedures in your company are adequate? Please answer 'Yes' or 'No.'
Witness: Well, please let me answer first by explaining that ....... [End of statement arrives 5 minutes later.]
Coupled with the fact that the other interpreter had already spent four whole days with the witness while he was being preped by his company's attorney for the deposition, and I went in 'cold' after having only read related discovery information, I can state categorically that I will never do interpreting ever again.
I think interpreting is not even closely related to translation - two completely different skillsets are required.
Yours jadedly - once bitten twice shy
Added 1 word
[Edited at 2014-09-22 07:41 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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Can’t really compare both of them since I have been a full-time translator for the last 30 years, so I have no idea how much (or less) challenging the other one is! I suppose it depends on the nature of the assignment or task…
| | | | LilianNekipelov 
Соединети Американски Држави
Local time: 15:47
руски на англиски
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| Both are equally challenging, but in different ways | Sep 21, 2014 |
If you are afraid of speaking in front of huge crowds, or forget things, easily get lost, and then panic--interpreting might be much more challenging for you., plus you really need close to "native" fluency in both languages.
Translation is challenging with respect to writing--you have to develop a good writing style, plus be very detail-oriented.
[Edited at 2014-09-21 09:22 GMT]
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Thayenga
Германија
Local time: 21:47
Член (2009)
англиски на германски
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I am a translator and have been for nearly 4 decades. However, I have done some interpreting and must say that this profession is not for me. If need be, I'm always willing to help out, but would never claim that I was an interpreter, while I am definately a translator. These are 2 different professions.
| | | | neilmac
Шпанија
Local time: 21:47
шпански на англиски
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| Interpreting | Sep 21, 2014 |
In fact, I haven't done any for years. I much prefer translating form the comfort of home.
| | | | Rosa Paredes
Канада
Local time: 15:47
шпански на англиски
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| Translating vs interpreting | Sep 22, 2014 |
I do both and have been doing both for over 20 years. I can say that while both share some requisites and difficulties, interpreting, specially simultaneous conference interpreting is more challenging due to the level of sustained concentration and multitasking needed. In addition, clients seem to think that if you speak both languages, you must be able to interpret anything and everything, as if one were a walking multilingual encyclopedia (the same applies to translations, IMO). The key to suc... See more I do both and have been doing both for over 20 years. I can say that while both share some requisites and difficulties, interpreting, specially simultaneous conference interpreting is more challenging due to the level of sustained concentration and multitasking needed. In addition, clients seem to think that if you speak both languages, you must be able to interpret anything and everything, as if one were a walking multilingual encyclopedia (the same applies to translations, IMO). The key to success is not to get overly confident, even when you are familiar with the topic. I'd say one full day of interpretation requires 2 full days of preparation in order to get a sound understanding of the topic (hence the rates). It also helps to know your booth partner and booth etiquette, and to have a common plan on how to tackle the assignment.
The adrenaline rush from working in a booth can be addictive ▲ Collapse
| | | | Mario Freitas
Бразил
Local time: 16:47
англиски на португалски
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| I have no doubt about it | Sep 22, 2014 |
I do both things, although a lot more translating than interpreting, but I have no doubt about interpreting being a lot more challenging.
I mean, isnt' it a lot different to work with a computer with millions of sites, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. to refer to, having 5 minutes to find a translation if you need, and translating without any help or reference and having a few seconds to devise a fit translation?
Isn't it a lot different to work at home away from any... See more I do both things, although a lot more translating than interpreting, but I have no doubt about interpreting being a lot more challenging.
I mean, isnt' it a lot different to work with a computer with millions of sites, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. to refer to, having 5 minutes to find a translation if you need, and translating without any help or reference and having a few seconds to devise a fit translation?
Isn't it a lot different to work at home away from any public or client and to work live, in front of your client and other people, with critical eyes focusing on you?
I introduce myself as a translator to all clients, and I"ll accept interpretation jobs, if they show up. But I'll tell you, to be an interpreter, you have to be an experienced and self-assured professional. There is no room in interpretation for insecurity and hesitation. And your breaks are defined by the client, not by you. ▲ Collapse
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