Verbal Communication
Translation and Interpretation
Because no one can learn every language, we rely on both human and artificially intelligent translators and interpreters. On the surface translation and interpretation seem to be much the same thing, with one skill relying on written texts and the other orally. Both translation and interpretation enable communication across language boundaries from source to target. Both need deep cultural and linguistic understanding along with expert knowledge of the subject area plus the ability to communicate clearly. In spite of the similarities, translation and interpretation are not the same.
Translation generally involves the process of producing a written text that refers to something written in another language. Traditionally, the translator would read the source in its original language, decipher its meaning, then write, rewrite, and proofread the content in the target language to ensure the original meaning, style and content are preserved. Translators are often experts in their fields of knowledge as well as linguists fluent in two or more languages with excellent written communication skills.
Interpretation is the process of orally expressing what is said or written in another language. Contrary to popular belief, interpretation isn't a word-for-word translation of a spoken message. If it was, it wouldn't make sense to the target audience. Interpreters need to transpose the source language within the given context, preserving its original meaning, but rephrasing idioms, colloquialisms, and other culturally-specific references in ways that the target audience can understand. They may have to do this in a simultaneous manner to the original speaker or by speaking only during the breaks provided by the original speaker. Interpreters are also often experts in fields of knowledge, cultures, and languages with excellent memories.
The roles of translators and interpreters are very complex. Not everyone who has levels of fluency in two languages makes a good translator or interpreter. Complex relationships between people, intercultural situations, and intercultural contexts involve more than just language fluency, but rather culture fluency as well.
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Language management within structural culture frameworks is going on all the time. Language policy is deeply embedded in the beliefs that people have about language and culture. Often language policy centers around who has the ability or authority to make choices where language is concerned, and whose choices will ultimately prevail. Language policy values often manifests in official governmental recognition of a language, how language is used in official capacities, or to protect the rights of how groups use and maintain languages.
While some nations have one or more official language, the United States does not have an official legal language. English is only the de facto national language. Much debate has been raised about the issue, and twenty-seven states have passed "Official English" laws (USConstitution.net, 2/19). Remember linguist and former US Senator S.I. Hayakawa mentioned at the beginning of the chapter? He tried to introduce legislation to adopt English as the official language of the United States several times and failed.
The European Union has 23 official languages and recognized an additional 60 indigenous languages. Canada has two official languages and recognizes an additional 70 indigenous languages from 12 language families. The official language of China is Mandarin or Putonghua, and it recognizes an additional 7 language families with over 300 dialects.
Surprised? Language policies are not just about culture. Language policies are connected to the politics of class, ethnicity, economics, and power as well as culture.