The meaning of the words “interpretation” and “translation” is similar. For the purpose of this article, “interpretation” is the conversion (or translation) of spoken language from one language to another. In Detroit, interpreters perform the service of translation of one spoken language to another.

The Difficulties of Interpretation

A person who speaks Italian thinks in Italian while speaking that language. This statement is true of every person and every language. However, an interpreter listens to one language, converts the message that is heard, and repeats the message in another language. An interpreter must be able to think in two languages nearly simultaneously. Therefore, an interpreter must be very fluent in the language that is being heard and the language that is being spoken.

The fundamental difficulty of interpretation isn’t just that words aren’t the same in one language as they are in another. The grammar is different as well. For example, in English, the subject of a sentence precedes the verb. In some other languages, the opposite is true. An interpreter might have to listen to a speaker for a very short period of time before he or she can begin speaking in the second language.

Situations that Require Interpretation

Three of the situations that might require interpretation are described as follows:

1. If a diplomat or government official from one country needs to meet with an official from another country, the two of them cannot carry on a discussion with each other without an interpreter. During an informal meeting, one interpreter might be utilized to interpret their conversation from one language to another. The thinking in this situation is that very little is at stake during an informal discussion. However, the thinking might very well change when formal negotiations are being conducted. One person will—most likely—not be entrusted with interpreting for both government officials because one interpreter might favor one official over the other. In this situation, one interpreter will be assigned to each official.
2. When testimony is being given in court, the format of the discussion is that of questions and answers. An interpreter must listen to the question that is being asked of the witness, mentally convert the question into the witness’s language, and ask the question (out loud) in the witness’s language. The reverse process is then repeated with the witness’s answer. Ideally, the discussion takes places nearly as though the interpreter is not present and the discussion is between the attorney and the witness. In this situation, the interpreter can do nothing to lead or guide the witness. If the witness does not understand the question, the interpreter must say so on behalf of the witness.
3. A discussion between a doctor and patient who don’t speak the same language requires an interpreter. This type of discussion is similar to that of a discussion between an attorney and witness in the sense that the interpreter listens in one language and speaks in another. However, an interpreter will be allowed to assist the patient in answering questions. Therefore, if a patient does not understand a question, the interpreter might be able to restate it in a way the patient can understand. The discussion won’t be confined to questions and answers. The interpreter will likely have to repeat the doctor’s instructions in the patient’s language.

In Detroit, interpreters are required to perform language translation in a number of situations.