Basics of Translation & Interpretation
What is the main difference between a translator and an interpreter?
Translators work with written texts; interpreters work with spoken language.
Translation of novels, poems, or short stories.
Literary translation
Interpretation where the speaker pauses to allow translation.
Consecutive interpretation
Theory that focuses on preserving meaning and style as much as possible.
Equivalence theory
Name one popular CAT tool.
SDL Trados, memoQ, Wordfast
Give two professional fields where translators or interpreters work.
Legal, medical, educational, commercial, diplomatic.
Translation for user manuals, instructions, or technical documentation.
Technical translation
Interpretation done simultaneously while the speaker is talking.
Simultaneous interpretation
Theory that considers translation’s purpose/function in the target culture.
Skopos theory
Name one machine translation engine.
Google Translate, DeepL
Define “translation.”
The process of converting text from a source language into a target language, maintaining meaning.
Translation for films, TV, or online videos.
Audiovisual translation
Whispered interpretation to a small audience.
Chuchotage / Whispered interpretation
The principle that translators should avoid personal bias or visibility.
Neutrality / Fidelity
What is post-editing in translation?
Revising and correcting MT output by a human translator
Define “interpretation.”
The oral conversion of spoken language from one language to another in real time.
Translation for contracts, laws, or legal documents.
Legal translation
Interpretation for community meetings or public services.
Community interpretation
Give one common ethical dilemma for translators.
Confidentiality breach, biased translation, client conflict, legal issues.
What is “localization”?
Adapting content to the cultural and functional expectations of the target audience
Name one key skill that both translators and interpreters share.
Bilingual proficiency / cultural knowledge / attention to detail.
Translation for marketing materials, websites, or software products.
Commercial translation / Localization
Interpretation performed via phone or video.
Remote interpretation
Theory emphasizing cultural context over literal meaning.
Cultural or functionalist approach
Give one emerging modality of interpretation.
Remote interpreting / Accessibility / Subtitling / Video game or website localization