Interpreter

Related Careers

• Translator

• Lexicographer

• Editor

• Technical Writer

• Language Practitioner

Interpreters help people of different language background to communicate effectively by translating orally what one person has said into a language that the others can understand. In a country like South Africa, with eleven official languages, communication in places like parliament and the courts would have been impossible without the assistance of interpreters. Simultaneous interpreters translate a speaker’s words into a second language while the words are still being spoken. Consecutive interpreters wait until a speaker pauses before translating what has been said up to that point.

Interpreters must have a thorough knowledge of the cultural, historical and political background of the people whose language they interpret in order to best understand the meaning of the words they are translating. Correct interpretation is very important as a wrong interpretation may have far reaching implications regarding decision made by parliament, legislative assembles, courts, embassies, or even at international conferences.

Interpreters have to have fluently in speech, a good hearing and clear voice.