The Importance of Professional Interpreting

Language is a wonderful tool for communication and can connect people from all walks of life. However, it can also become an obstacle in some pretty serious situations – and that’s when you want professional interpreting. But what exactly does an interpreter do and why is their role so important?

Interpretation: More than just words

Accurate and professional interpreting requires more than just a working knowledge of two different languages. Interpreters should have a detailed understanding of the nuances of both languages, any cultural influences, and potential differences in dialect. While an untrained speaker may be able to get across the general gist of what is being said, they may miss key bits of information or mistake local slang for something else.

Interpretation is often improvised, with anyone in the vicinity with some knowledge of the language called over to translate. In reality, accurate and professional interpreting needs plenty of preparation time – both to keep up with the flow of the conversation, and to help everyone to express themselves as best they can.

Across all areas of life

Proper interpretation becomes especially important when you consider the serious and sometimes sensitive situations in which it is needed. Professional interpreting is perhaps most often required in healthcare, where it can be the difference between an accurate diagnosis and an incorrect one. Doctors and other health professionals rely on a precise interpretation of issues a patient may have in order to treat them correctly.

Other areas where interpretation can play an important role include multinational business meetings, court hearings, and police interviews. Many of these situations can be serious or frightening for those who do not understand the dominant language. A well-trained interpreter will be able to act as a calming presence and help both sides find the information they’re looking for.

Interpreters around the globe

Interpreters have been in the news recently due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the end of US and UK presence in Afghanistan. For over twenty years, soldiers and other westerners working in Afghanistan relied on the knowledge of local interpreters to communicate with the people around them.

Afghan interpreters have both saved countless lives and sometimes lost their own lives during this time. Sadly, many have now been left behind and forgotten by the UK and US governments, although campaigners are working hard to help those who wish to leave the country.

Interpretation for your needs

The crucial work of interpreters in Afghanistan is just one example of the essential role that interpreters play in many areas of life. Atlas Translations offers a range of interpreting services for all sorts of events – from business meetings and factory visits to weddings and friendly gatherings.

We offer a wide variety of professional interpreting and translation work to meet your needs. Our interpreters are all highly trained and have plenty of high-level experience. With both face to face interpretation and online or over the phone translation available, get in touch with us today to find out how we can work with you to achieve your goals!

To find out more about the services we offer and how we can help you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!

Click here to send us an enquiry. If you’d rather have a casual chat about upcoming projects, give us a call on 01727 812725 or talk to us in the livechat!