The difference between Arabic translation and Arabic Language interpretation

Arabic Interpretation

Conference Interpreting, Simultaneous Arabic Interpretation during a conference

Interpretation is typically done either consecutively or simultaneously, either going in Arabic into English, or English going into Arabic. In consecutive interpretation, the interpreter listens to a source language utterance, (usually but not necessarily English) analyzing and organizing the thoughts (often with the help of their written notes). At a logical stopping point, the speaker will pause and wait for the interpreter to produce the utterance in the target language, that can be either English or Arabic. When finished, the speaker will continue. Simultaneous Interpretation or translation is continuous or ongoing. The Arabic linguist or interpreter is performing the same listening and analysis but also begins producing the target language interpretation while continuing to listen and analyze. As you might imagine, both types of interpretation are mentally demanding.

Contrary to popular belief, Arabic interpretation isn’t word-for-word translation of a spoken message. If this were true, the result would make little sense to the target audience.

Instead, it’s all about paraphrasing. An Arabic Interpreter need to transpose the source language (Arabic to English or vice versa) within context, preserving its original meaning but rephrasing idioms, colloquialisms, and other culturally-specific references in ways the target audience can understand. Interpreters may even be required to act as diplomatic mediators in certain environments, and often need to be good public speakers. Not only that, but they have to deliver their message instantly—either in unison with (simultaneous) or immediately after (consecutive) the original speech, being Arabic or English Language—with no help from scripts, dictionaries, or other reference materials. An interpreter’s only resources are experience, a good memory, and quick reflexes.

An Arabic Interpreter can work on projects involving live translation: Conferences Interpreting, meetings, law firm depositions, medical appointments, hospital visits, State Court, Federal Court, legal proceedings, and live TV coverage.

Arabic Translation

Perhaps the biggest difference between Arabic interpreter and translator work, most translators use computer-aided tools in their work. This involves converting the source content into a file type that’s easy to work with, applying a translation memory to the text to automatically translate anything the tool has translated before, and filling in the gaps from scratch. As the Arabic translator goes through each section of text, they may refer to glossaries and style guides to ensure quality. Finally, they’ll pass the translation to another Arabic linguist to proofread, then convert the final document back into its original format ensuring the closest possible match.

Where an Arabic interpreter have a fundamental proficiency in spoken communication. An Arabic translator need excellent written skills. They’re often specialists in particular fields and perfectionists by nature, having to adhere to source content’s style and tone as well as grammar rules and overall accuracy. An Arabic translator can work on any information in written form: Websites, print, video subtitles, transcription of recordings, software, or multimedia

Which service do I need?

So the differences between an Arabic translator or an Arabic interpreter are vast. To sum up, here are the four main distinctions to consider when determining which service is best suited to a project:

Delivery: 

As mentioned above, a key difference between translation and interpretation from Arabic to English or English to Arabic is in the timing. Arabic Certified language Interpretation takes place on the spot or at location. The process can occur in person, over the phone, via video or zoom call. Arabic Translation, on the other hand, can happen long after the source text is created. This gives translators ample time to utilize technologies and reference materials to generate accurate, high-quality translations.

Accuracy: 

Arabic Interpretation requires a somewhat lower level of accuracy to translation. Interpreters aim for perfection, but it’s challenging to achieve in a live setting some of the original speech may be left out of the target language, for example. Again, time is on translators’ side when reviewing and editing for accuracy.

Direction:

An Arabic Interpreter must be fluent in both the source and target languages, as they’re required to translate or the proper term is to interpret in both directions, being Arabic to English or English to Arabic instantaneously without the aid of reference materials. Professional Arabic translators typically work in one direction: their own. Given that they only need to translate source content into their mother tongue, they’re not required to be fluent in the source language.

Intangibles words:

Making metaphors, analogies, and idioms resonate with the target audience is a challenge that both Arabic professional interpreters and translators face. On top of this, a professional Arabic interpreter must capture tone, inflections, voice quality, and other unique elements of the spoken word and then convey these verbal cues to the audience.

Now that you know what the difference is between an Arabic language interpreter and a translator, you’re ready to explore each in line with more specific translation requirements: Do you need to translate highly technical content, for instance, or content covering a niche topic? Although Arabic interpreters and Arabic translators broadly share the same respective competencies, a language service provider can correlate your needs through a professional Arabic interpreter.