even if the two functions consist in transcribing a text of its source language towards another, the translation treats only written texts whereas the interpretership touches only the oral transcription of the speeches and conversations. it is thus the form of the message to be translated, verbal or written, which differentiates the two trades.
the formation to follow to become interpreter is long and difficult because she asks for at least five years of continuous studies. exercises of elocution, techniques of orthoepy, concepts more or less thorough of philosophy, psychology, right and other great disciplines are added to the purely linguistic formation. any person wishing to exert the trade of interpreter must show of curiosity, coolness and have an excellent general culture. in addition to having to have a command of his native tongue, to which the control of one or more foreign languages is added, the interpreter must be able to adapt to all the subjects and fields which are subjected to him and being ready to use the adequate vocabulary. however, of the fields such as the genetics or the nuclear physics for example require the expertise of qualified and specialized interpreters.
the trade of interpreter: how does it go?
the interpreters generally work for their own account. these independent interpreters earn their living rather well, even if the majority of outgoing of the universities of interpretership aspire to integrate the international organizations. indeed, these organizations recruit interpreters more and more and offer a remuneration more than gratifiante in addition to the granted travel allowances. during the various accomplished voyages, which are programmed according to the international conferences and seminars, the interpreters have opportunity of meeting professionals resulting from various horizons. in spite of the frequency of the recruitment of interpreters by the international organizations, those are very demanding as for the profile of their employees. indeed, in addition to qualities and the professional qualifications mentioned above, they require on behalf of the candidates that they are discrete, honest and available.
to conclude, it is important to specify that the trade of interpreter is before a whole trade of ground. those which exert this trade in the international organizations practice the simultaneous interpretership what is called, i.e. they transcribe immediately all that says the speaker. they can do it either by the means of a microphone, or while whispering with the ear of the person. this technique requires a great capacity of listening and concentration, as well as a great fluidity in the use of the languages concerned. the interpreters can also practice the consecutive interpretership which consists in dividing the speech in several passages and interpreting them as soon as they are stated. just like the simultaneous interpretership, it is a technique difficult and used generally at the great meetings or for the translation of official discourses. finally, it there with the use of the sign language which constitutes a field even more specialized than the traditional interpretership.
