<The Essential Abilities of an Interpreter>
201002551 E.I.T
Yun Jeong Lee
As the world becomes more and more globalized, the need to overcome communication barriers is continuously increasing. One of the biggest barriers to communication is language, since language is the most basic medium that carries messages. Thus, it is crucial to make efforts to overcome the language barrier. In order to overcome such barrier, the role of skilled interpreters is very important. A professional interpreter needs three types of essential knowledge: linguistic knowledge, cultural knowledge, and background knowledge.
First of all, it is essential for interpreters to have linguistic knowledge, because they are the bridge between languages. Linguistic knowledge refers to the knowledge that is related to languages. For example, is it unquestionable that an English-Korean interpreter needs to be highly proficient in both English and Korean in order to interpret one language into another fluently. Moreover, the interpreter needs to know more than the meaning of words; interpreters should understand nuance differences according to the use of language in different circumstances.
Secondly, an interpreter should be familiar with different cultures. Languages do not exist solely on their own; language carries cultural aspects. For example, what is considered a joke in one country may be considered seriously offensive in another culture. Also, a perfectly usual term in one language might sound awkward in another. For instance, the determiner 'our' is often used in Korean, such as 'our mother'. However, it sounds awkward to say 'our mother' in English when referring to 'my mother', though it is grammatically correct.
Lastly, an interpreter needs to have background knowledge on what he or she is interpreting. Background knowledge is the information related to the topic being interpreted. For example, an interpreter interpreting in an international conference should be familiar with the topics that are brought up at the meeting and should have background knowledge about the specific and professional items. Otherwise, the interpreter may have difficulties interpreting jargon.
Certainly, a professional interpreter needs a lot of knowledge in various fields. Above all, it is essential for interpreters to have knowledge on three different criteria of knowledge: linguistic, cultural, and professional. Therefore, to become a skilled professional interpreter, it is important to make efforts to gain knowledge in three fields of knowledge.
What I like about this piece of writing is to talk about an interpreter. That is because I am also interested in that job.
ReplyDeleteYour main point seems to be that there are some knowledge to become a professional interpreter.
These particular words or lines struck me as powerful : Languages do not exist solely on their own; language carries cultural aspects. I agree to this one and language reflects its own culture.
The one change you could make that would make the biggest improvement in this piece of writing is to add more your own opinion. Every paragraph has the example. Even though it helps me understand your writing, it is better to show your thought more.
1. I liked the organizattion and the reasons supporting your ideas.
ReplyDelete2. Your main topic in this seems what to have to become a professional interpreter.
3. i was quite surprised at this writing. because words that you use looked really professional.
4. In my personal point of view, the contents are structured well so i don't want to change them
5. It was good writing for giving some lesson to others
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete-2nd DRAFT
ReplyDeleteAs the world becomes more and more globalized, the need to overcome communication barriers is continuously increasing. One of the biggest barriers to communication is language, since language is the most basic medium that carries messages. Thus, it is crucial to make efforts to overcome the language barrier. In order to overcome such barrier, the role of skilled interpreters is very important. A professional interpreter needs three types of essential knowledge: linguistic knowledge, cultural knowledge, and background knowledge.
First of all, it is essential for interpreters to have linguistic knowledge, because they are the bridge between languages. Linguistic knowledge refers to the knowledge that is related to languages. For example, is it unquestionable that an English-Korean interpreter needs to be highly proficient in both English and Korean in order to interpret one language into another fluently. Moreover, the interpreter needs to know more than the meaning of words; interpreters should understand nuance differences according to the use of language in different circumstances.
Secondly, an interpreter should be familiar with different cultures. Languages do not exist solely on their own; language carries cultural aspects. For example, what is considered a joke in one country may be considered seriously offensive in another culture. Also, a perfectly usual term in one language might sound awkward in another. For instance, the determiner 'our' is often used in Korean, such as 'our mother'. However, it sounds awkward to say 'our mother' in English when referring to 'my mother', though it is grammatically correct.
Lastly, an interpreter needs to have background knowledge on what he or she is interpreting. Background knowledge is the information related to the topic being interpreted. For example, an interpreter interpreting in an international conference should be familiar with the topics that are brought up at the meeting and should have background knowledge about the specific and professional items. Otherwise, the interpreter may have difficulties interpreting jargon. I personally have an experience of being embarrassed because I was unfamiliar with jargons. Once, I was interpreting for opening remarks of a sports event and I had to interpret for the honored guests. Most of them were government officials and I had to introduce their positions. However, I did not know the exact English words for the job positions, so I was unable to interpret their positions properly.
Certainly, a professional interpreter needs a lot of knowledge in various fields. Above all, it is essential for interpreters to have knowledge on three different criteria of knowledge: linguistic, cultural, and professional. Therefore, to become a skilled professional interpreter, it is important to make efforts to gain knowledge in three fields of knowledge.