Interpreters & translators │ Sheila Wilkin │ Fiona Evans Wilkin
We have worked in Guatemala for over 40 years, dividing our time between interpreting and translating languages and literally living in a web of words.
It’s a fascinating life. On the one hand, we get to participate in meetings between heads of state as an interpreter, and on the other, we have the opportunity to learn about a huge variety of interesting topics during in-depth translations.
When interpreting, we have one moment in time to capture the intent of the speaker. But with translating, we have the luxury of time to craft a document around the message the author is trying to convey.
People often ask us: What’s the difference between interpreting and translating? In a nutshell, translation is the conversion of written text from one language to another, and interpreting is the conversion of speech from one language to another, although many people often mistakenly use the term translation to refer to both activities. An analogy could be a novelist who knows how to write but not how to act in a film based on his novel. The skills of writing and acting are different, just as the skills of translating and interpreting are different.
Some, but not all, interpreters are also translators, but there are many translators who have never interpreted. Different areas of the brain are used for these activities. Interpreters are fast thinkers and reactors because decisions about language, structure, and meaning have to be made in seconds. The key skills of a translator are the ability to write well in the target language and the ability to understand the source language and culture of the country where the text originated. The translator has time to consult dictionaries and other sources before making a decision, whereas the interpreter has to study the subject beforehand.
In addition to our interpretation and translation services, we also offer equipment rental services to ensure that your meetings and events run smoothly. Please consider contacting us about your next project. Our clients, who are from countries throughout Latin America, North America, and Europe, regularly express how pleased they are with the clarity of our work and the timeliness of our delivery.
We look forward to hearing from you!
