Your Guide to Interpretation Services: What It Is, Types, and Why You Need One

Accurate and precise translations are a must-have for globalization. We all know that. But do you know translation, interpretation and transcreation also play a crucial role in creating strong and effective relationships with international audiences? Yes, you read it right, hiring an interpretation and transcreation agency allows you to ensure seamless communication with your global clients in real time. 

Talking about interpretation, there is a lot you need to know about it. For that, we have prepared a guide to let you know what interpretation is, its types, how it differs from translation, and what are the industries that need interpretation services the most. 

A little background about interpretation services

Interpretation is the translation of a message or speech from one language to another. Who performs this job? The professional interpreting services providers do. How do they carry it out? Well, they possess exceptional language skills, emotional intelligence, and interpreting expertise. Thus, they seamlessly provide oral translation of your important message.

You see, the basic purpose behind interpretation is to ensure effective communication between individuals when they don’t understand or speak the same language. Instead of learning different languages, they hire professional interpreters to communicate.

Let’s talk about how the interpretation has evolved? It was after the 2nd World War. This was the time when technology entangled interpretation with isolated booths, microphones, and headsets. These gadgets help improve the interpretation quality. But certainly, it’s not enough! With the passage of time and tech development, new ways of defying the distortions were introduced, such as virtual interpretation. So, now all you need is an internet connection to communicate with the other party, instead of being physically available at the same location. 

Types of Interpreting Services

• Simultaneous Interpreting

It involves listening, understanding, interpreting, and translating the speaker’s words into the target language all at the same time. This technique is typically employed in large-scale conferences by groups of two or more interpreters who alternately work to ensure that each other is relieved of the pressure that comes from high concentration levels. This collaboration reduces the chances of errors and inaccuracies.

• Consecutive Interpreting

This type particularly entails pausing for a few seconds between sentences to allow the interpreter to repeat the speaker’s statements in another language. It takes more time than simultaneous interpreting, but it is also utilized in meetings with a limited number of participants where time is not as important as it is in big conferences.

• Over-the-Phone Interpreting

Depending on the project and desires, this type of interpretation can be simultaneous or consecutive. It takes place during a pre arranged appointment. Because it is over the phone, they don’t see the parties in person, and translators for this type are frequently available around the clock.

• Video Remote Interpreting 

If you know how over-the-phone interpreting is done, the same is the procedure for video remote interpreting. The user registers, calls a specific number, enters the language codes, and here you go. The interpreter connects with them in just a few seconds. 

With VRI, however, the communication is more two-way or three-way, with the customer watching the interpreter. Seeing the user’s facial expressions and body motions allows the user more space to express themselves. While also providing the interpreter with deeper insights into what the client is feeling or if there are any cultural sensitivities.

• Sign Language Interpreting

Sign language interpretation is required to ensure that everyone has equal access to information. The interpreter communicates the information said by the speaker to the viewers through sign language. This type of interpretation might take place one-on-one or in groups. In the case of groups, high-quality audio and great views for both the receiver and the interpreter are required to provide clarity.

Difference Between Translation, Transcreation, and Interpretation

Translation is the conversion of textual content from one language to another. The goal is to preserve the content style and tone without breaking its structure and format. The process includes the translation of different types of documents including business documents, academic, healthcare, legal, financial, or other documents. For accurate and precise translation, the translator must possess a deep understanding of the linguistic and cultural nuances of the target language and subject-matter expertise.

Transcreation on the other hand is a combination of translation and creation. The process involves adapting content creatively while resonating with the emotional and cultural nuances of the target language. A transcreation agency with experts helps to translate advertising slogans and marketing materials and convey similar emotions rather than strict linguistic equivalence.  

Meanwhile, interpretation is a real-time verbal language activity. It ensures effective communication between individuals who don’t speak or understand the same language. Only professional interpreting services can provide interpretation for immediate communications such as negotiations, conferences, and multilingual gatherings.

Which Industries Need Professional Interpretation Services?

Well, as of now you have more knowledge about interpretation than any random person out there. But, one question that is still teasing you is when to use the interpretation services, right? Don’t worry, we are here to tell you.

Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, you need professional interpreting services. They help you to ensure seamless communication with your global clients by delivering your message appropriately in the run-time. Secondly, professional interpreters are familiar with the target language and have deep subject-matter expertise. So, which one is your choice, one who is unprofessional and has less knowledge, or a professional with deep knowledge and expertise? We know you will choose wisely. Therefore, if your business is associated with any of the following industries, you need interpretation services.

• Entertainment Industry
• Government Services
• Healthcare and Medical Industry
• Event Production
• Travel and Tourism Industry
• Legal Communications
• Banking and Finance
• Humanitarian Industry