The role of translation and interpretation in present-day interstate and international relations.
World translation in general and European translation in particular has a long and praiseworthy tradition. Even the scarcity of documents available at the disposal of historians points to its incessant millenniums-long employment in international relations both in ancient China, India, in the Middle East (Assyria, Babylon) and Egypt. The earliest mention of translation used in viva voce goes back to approximately the year 3000 BC in ancient Egypt where the interpreters and later also reqular translators were employed to help in carrying on trade with the neighbouring country of Nubia. The dragomans had been employed to accompany the trade caravans and help in negotiating, selling and buying the necessary goods for Egypt. Also in those ancient times (2400 BC), the Assyrian emperor Sargon of the city of Akkada (Mesopotamia), is known to have circulated his order of the day translated into some languages of the subject countries.
The city of Babylon in those times was a regular centre of polyglots where translations were accomplished in several languages.
Alexander of Macedon employed translators and interpreters in his war campaign.
Translation contributes to enriching world literature. Interpretation is needed for conducting international negotiations on international level.
Duties of Interpreters and Translators
Interpreters and translators typically do the following:
- Convert concepts in the source language to equivalent concepts in the target language
- Compile information and technical terms into glossaries and terminology databases to be used in translations
- Speak, read, and write fluently in at least two languages, one of which is English
- Relay the style and tone of the original language
- Render spoken messages accurately, quickly, and clearly
Interpreters and translators aid communication by converting messages or text from one language into another language. Although some people do both, interpreting and translating are different professions: interpreters work with spoken communication, and translators work with written communication.
Important Qualities for Interpreters and Translators
Business skills. Self-employed and freelance interpreters and translators need general business skills to manage their finances and careers successfully. They must set prices for their work, bill customers, keep records, and market their services in order to build their client base.
Concentration. Interpreters and translators must have the ability to concentrate while others are speaking or moving around them.
Cultural sensitivity. Interpreters and translators must be sensitive to cultural differences and expectations among the people whom they are helping to communicate. Successful interpreting and translating is a matter not only of knowing the words in different languages but also of understanding peoples cultures.
Dexterity. Sign language interpreters must be able to make quick and coordinated hand, finger, and arm movements when interpreting.
Interpersonal skills. Interpreters and translators, particularly those who are self-employed, must be able to get along with those who hire or use their services in order to retain clients and attract new business.
Listening skills. Interpreters must listen carefully when interpreting for audiences to ensure that they hear and interpret correctly.
Reading skills. Translators must be able to read in all of the languages in which they are working.
Speaking skills. Interpreters and translators must speak clearly in all of the languages in which they are working.
Writing skills. Translators must be able to write clearly and effectively in all of the languages in which they are working.
