Translators and Interpreters as Communicators: Ethics and Tips

Abstract

Translation and Interpreting are forms of communication because the two activities are done for an audience. Whether communication is done online or offline, the audience needs to understand the message. As communicators, translators and interpreters are responsible for getting the right message or ideas from the text writers or the speakers to the audience. Errors in translation and interpretation can cause a world disaster as bad as the Japan bombing in 1945. Many student translators probably do not realize it, as seen in the questionnaires they filled in. Only after they join the translation courses do they realize that translating and interpreting is not so easy, and many things should be paid attention to in getting across the message. There are important points to be followed by both professional and student translators and interpreters to render the right meaning in translation and interpreting to avoid such a calamity. Faithfulness in both written and oral translation and the principle of meaning over form are two of the many important points. In communication, especially across cultures, meaning should be paid attention to because nuances of meaning are very important to attend to. Nuances of meaning cannot be neglected in the comprehension of the source text and the production of the target text. In interpreting, especially when time is a challenge, there are useful tips to fulfill these important points.