What is "Interpretation"?

Translation can be divided into written translation and oral translation. In English, a person who translates is called a translator, and a person who interprets is called an interpreter. Whether it is written translation or oral translation, a different language is used to explain and reproduce the meaning of the original words. Translation is the reproduction of the ideological content expressed in one language in another language through writing, that is, written or written form. Interpretation is the reproduction of the ideological content expressed in one language in another language through oral form. Interpretation is a special means of oral communication. Its task is to serve as a bridge and link between interlocutors of different languages ??and cultures, so that both parties can communicate freely without feeling language barriers.

In terms of its working methods, interpretation can generally be divided into two categories: consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation. After the speaker has finished speaking a sentence, a paragraph or even an entire article, the interpretation method in which the interpreter immediately translates to the audience on the spot is called impromptu translation, also known as consecutive interpretation or continuous translation. Speeches can last from a few seconds (a few dozen words) to a few minutes (a few hundred or even thousands of words). Speech and translation alternate. This method of translation is mainly used in two situations: first, formal meetings, political talks, diplomatic or business negotiations, official negotiations, speeches at conferences, academic exchanges, press conferences, press conferences, banquets and toasts, opening ceremonies, closing ceremonies, In formal occasions such as court debates and briefings, interpreters often have to rely on notes for interpretation; secondly, in daily conversations such as receptions, concierge greetings, escorts, visits, excursions, banquets, shopping, entertainment, and life arrangements, interpreters usually rely on memory. Interpretation. Simultaneous interpretation is an interpretation method in which the speaker speaks while the interpreter interprets. Simultaneous interpretation is mainly used in international conferences. Simultaneous interpretation can be divided into three situations: First, conference interpretation, that is, the interpreter uses the electrochemical equipment at the conference venue to listen to the speaker's speech through headphones in the interpretation box, and immediately interprets it to the audience through the microphone, almost simultaneously with the speaker. At most, it is a few seconds slower than the speaker: The second is sight interpretation, that is, the translator reads the original lecture or written material (such as a speech) while translating the content of the material. The interpreter is generally required to keep reading and translating, rather than translating one sentence after the other. The third is whispering, in which the translator immediately whispers what he hears at the meeting to one or two people around him. The speaker keeps talking. Whisper translation generally compresses and summarizes the original speech to a greater extent. This kind of interpretation is also called "ear-biting" translation.

In terms of the nature of the work, interpretation can be divided into foreign affairs translation, military translation, business translation, medical translation, liaison translation, conference translation, court translation, technical translation, exhibition translation, tour guide translation, daily life translation, etc. wait. They each have their own characteristics, which will not be described here.

Interpretation is a hard and intense mental work and a complex thinking process. Interpreters are by no means simple-minded "megaphones." The process of interpreting from the original language to the target language is not a straight line, but an active process of understanding, analysis, and expression from the outside to the inside, and from the inside to the outside. The correspondence between the two languages ??is not reflected in the surface structure, but in the deep meaning. The process of interpreting is actually a very short and extremely complex process of "listening and understanding → memory → expression".

In view of the fact that the task of interpretation is to convey the ideological content of the original words, free translation should mainly be used during interpretation. In fact, there is no distinction between literal translation and free translation. The key is to see which translation method can more accurately reflect the ideological content of the original words under specific circumstances. The literal translation is literal translation, the free translation is free translation. Literal translation is not rigid translation or hard translation; free translation is not random translation or nonsense translation either. If it is a political meeting or diplomatic wording, literal translation should be emphasized because diplomatic wording needs to be precise. If it is a business meeting, you might as well use free translation. In fact, it is never possible for translators to achieve completely literal translation or completely free translation, but always use literal translation and free translation alternately consciously or unconsciously. Literal translation and free translation are two complementary translation methods.

Interpretation and translation are two jobs that are closely related but also very different. Since each has its own characteristics and requirements, the standards are different. Translators understand the original text and obtain information through "reading". Translators can have sufficient time to deliberate, consult dictionaries and various reference books, and ask others for advice. Therefore, translation requires "faithfulness, expressiveness and elegance", the three of which complement each other and are indispensable. Interpreters understand the original words and obtain information through "listening". The translator must express it in the target language immediately after listening to the speaker, or even express it while listening. There is almost no time for thinking and deliberation. In most cases, it is impossible to consult a dictionary or reference book, or ask others for advice. The labor intensity of translators per unit time greatly exceeds that of translation. Therefore, the quality of interpretation cannot be too demanding, and generally more "faithfulness" and "expressiveness" are required. Of course, translators also have some advantages that translators do not have. They can understand the original words with the help of the speaker's gestures, intonation and expressions. From the perspective of actual work requirements, the standards of interpretation can be summarized as "faithfulness, expressiveness, and speed" (it can also be summarized as "accuracy, smoothness, and speed"). "Faithfulness" means being loyal to the content and spirit of the original words, not adding or subtracting at will, or making things up randomly. The translated language style should be as close to the original words as possible. "Da" means to express the original thought content in a smooth and natural way, without being constrained by the words and structures of the original language. "Speed" has two meanings. First, the interpreter should not speak too slowly, and the speaking speed should be equal to or slightly faster than the speaking speed; second, the interpreter should start interpreting immediately after the speaker pauses, and the interval in between should generally not exceed Two or three seconds, otherwise it will affect the interpretation effect and cause dissatisfaction from the audience. Among the three standards, "faithfulness" is the main standard and the foundation and core of interpretation.