What is the specialty of Translation and Interpretation specialization:
Both translation and interpretation allow communication across languages from source to target. Translation translates the meaning of the written word from one language to another. Interpretation transfers the meaning of a spoken word from one language to another.
The common thread is language. However, the two professions require very different skills. While the two are often mistakenly interchanged as equivalents, most translators may be baffled by the idea of interpretation and vice versa. Imagine comparing the work of a public speaker to that of a writer. While both work with language, the skills and talents required are very different.
Translators must accurately and accurately capture the content, style and format of the original text and then convert it into the target language. The process takes time and usually requires several versions. The translator must read the text in the source language, decode its meaning, and then write, rewrite and proofread the content in the target language to ensure that the original meaning, style and form are preserved.
Depending on the context, the translator may need to apply extensive research and consulting techniques to the work at hand in order to broaden his or her understanding of the topic. The final product should be polished, eloquently written, and completely error-free.
Interpretation is a much more immediate process with no time for second guessing or wording. The meaning must be provided immediately for both simultaneous and consecutive interpretation modes. With simultaneous interpretation, the translator must translate at the speaker's pace, which means that the translator must listen to the source language and speak the target language at the same time.
With consecutive interpretation, the interpreter must wait for the speaker to finish speaking and then interpret what was said. The translator must listen to the target language, take mental or written notes, and then present the information to the target language.
Both professions require significant language skills that are in high demand, particularly in the commercial, legal, and medical fields. Both translators and interpreters are trained in a code of professional ethics, which means that they are committed to conveying meaning with honesty, accuracy and integrity.
History of Translation and Interpretation specialization:
The ancient languages of interpretation - Latin, Greek, Hebrew and Chaldean - were replaced several centuries later by Spanish and Portuguese. The Genoese, Portuguese, and Spanish conquistadors used interpreters throughout their travels. Columbus, intending to sail across the ocean to Asia on his maiden voyage in 1492, recruited people who could translate from Arabic and Spanish. Luis de Torres was one of these translators, skilled in translating Arabic, Hebrew, and Chaldean. Of course, Torres' fluency in all three languages turned out to be futile when the first ships finally arrived in what is now the Caribbean.
On his return, Columbus captured six indigenous Taínos to convert to Christianity and teach them the Castilian Spanish language. Two survived by throwing themselves into the sea. On a later voyage, Columbus transported two families of indigenous people and, to prevent any escape, carried wives and children in separate boats. This is the first major example of people being enslaved to work as interpreters - an early example of interpreter training.
The first example of sequential translation occurred at the time of the conqueror Hernán Cortés, who bought a girl named Malinche, a kach of noble origin. The Spanish priest in his crew knew some of the Mayan civilization, but they did not know Nahuatl (the Aztec language). Malinche translated from Nahautl into Mayan and Spanish priests from Mayan into Spanish. Malinchista today refers to its unfaithful compatriot, especially in Mexico.
Importance of studying Translation and Interpretation majors:
The concept and significance of translation can be somewhat ambiguous. After all, almost everyone speaks English in this day and age. What needs to be said or written can be done in English and Google Translate can do the rest. But is it really that simple?
Language is much more than just a tool that allows us to communicate. It is an expression of culture, society and beliefs. Thousands of cultures exist all over the world, and they all express the details of their daily lives through their own languages. Imagine losing enormous cultural treasures if they suddenly gave up their mother tongue and simply communicated one universal language.
At the same time, other languages may not be able to express certain feelings, emotions, or specific descriptions.
A classic example is the German word "Schadenfreude", which means the joy and pleasure that come from watching the pain of others. The word elegant easily expresses a certain phenomenon, but there is no such expression in English dictionaries. In this respect, German may seem to be the richest language.
Study subjects for the translation and interpretation major:
- speaking skills.
- writing skills.
- Humanities.
- career and life.
- Text production and analysis.
Fields of work for the Translation and Interpretation specialization:
- Interpreters Health or medical translators.
- Literary translators.
- Legal or Judicial Translators and Interpreters.
The best universities to study Translation and Interpretation in Turkey:
- Istanbul Kültür University.
- Gelsheim University.
- Istanbul Gelişim University.
- Istanbul Aydın University.
The best universities to study Translation and Interpretation in Germany:
- University of Leipzig.