In an increasingly globalized world, communication between different languages is essential in multiple contexts: business, conferences, tourism, legal and medical matters, among others. If you are wondering why choose a professional interpreter?
This is where the professional interpreter is of key importance. However, nowadays, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automatic translation tools, many people wonder if it is really necessary to have a human interpreter.
The truth is that, although AI has come a long way, it is still far from matching the skills of a professional interpreter. Emotions, tone of voice, cultural expression and contextual accuracy are aspects that a machine cannot yet fully capture. Therefore, in this article we will explore the reasons why a professional interpreter remains the best choice in any situation where accurate and effective communication is critical.
What does a professional interpreter do?
A professional interpreter is a language expert who facilitates oral communication between people who speak different languages. His or her job is not limited to translating word for word, but capturing the meaning, tone and context of the message to convey it as faithfully as possible.
To achieve this, an interpreter must not only master the languages he or she works with, but also understand the culture, context and idiomatic expressions of each language. In addition, they must be mentally agile, as they often have to interpret in real time with no margin for error.
A great example of a professional interpreter is Marcos de la Pinta, a great professional in the field of interpreting and translating, able to speak and understand languages such as English, Spanish or Dutch.
Differences between an interpreter and a translator
The work of an interpreter is often confused with that of a translator, but they are two different professions:
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The interpreter works with oral communication, transmitting a message in another language in real time.
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The translator works with written texts, translating documents from one language to another with more time for revision and proofreading.
An interpreter must be fast, accurate and able to react in seconds to any situation, while a translator has more time to research and fine-tune his or her work.
Types of professional interpreting
There are various interpreting modalities, each adapted to specific needs and contexts:
Simultaneous interpretation
It is the most demanding modality and requires a high level of concentration and linguistic skills. The interpreter translates the message in real time, at the same time the speaker speaks, without pauses.
It is mainly used at international conferences, political summits, meetings of bodies such as the UN and the European Union, and large corporate events. Due to the cognitive load involved, interpreters work in soundproof booths and usually take turns every 20-30 minutes. In addition, they use technological equipment such as headsets and microphones to ensure accurate transmission of the message.
Consecutive interpretation
In this type of interpretation, the interpreter listens to a fragment of the speech and, once the speaker pauses, translates the message into another language.
It is a common modality in political speeches, press interviews, business negotiations and press conferences. Interpreters often take notes using a proprietary system of symbols and abbreviations to accurately recall the content of the message. Although it is not as fast as simultaneous interpreting, it allows for a more detailed and accurate interpretation, as the interpreter has time to process the information before transmitting it.
3. Whispered interpretation (chuchotage)
In this mode, the interpreter translates in a low voice into the ear of one or two people who require interpretation, without the need for specialized equipment.
It is used in private meetings, diplomatic visits, discreet negotiations and events with few participants where the installation of interpreting equipment is not feasible. Although effective for small groups, it can be tiring for the interpreter and difficult to hear if the environment is noisy.
4. Telephone or remote interpreting
With the advancement of technology, remote interpreting has become increasingly common. It is done through digital platforms or telephone calls, allowing communication between people of different languages without the need for a face-to-face interpreter.
It is widely used in the medical field, where it facilitates communication between doctors and patients of different nationalities, in multilingual customer support and in emergency situations, such as assistance to travelers abroad. Thanks to videoconferencing, this modality allows a more fluid interaction by capturing the interlocutor’s body language.
5. Sign language interpretation
An essential form of interpreting used to ensure the inclusion of people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The interpreter translates spoken speech into sign language and vice versa, facilitating communication at conferences, public events, television programs and educational settings.
Each country has its own sign language, so the interpreter must be highly trained in the corresponding version, such as Spanish Sign Language (LSE) or American Sign Language (ASL). In many cases, a combination of simultaneous and consecutive interpretation is required to ensure the best understanding of the message.
Why automated tools or AI is not enough
Today, artificial intelligence tools such as Google Translate or voice assistants can do fast and approximate translations, but they are not accurate enough for professional or critical situations.
AI does not capture tone, emotion and nonverbal language. Communication is not just words, but also gestures, intonations and cultural contexts.
Errors in machine translation can change the meaning of the message. In situations such as business negotiations or medical diagnoses, a misunderstanding can have serious consequences.
Automated interpretations do not handle specialized language. In fields such as law or medicine, a human interpreter knows the appropriate technical terms for each context.
Benefits of hiring a professional interpreter
1. Accuracy and fidelity of the message
A professional interpreter ensures that the message is conveyed accurately, without alterations or contextual errors. Accuracy is crucial in environments such as law, medicine or international business, where any error in translation can have significant consequences.
2. Adaptation to context and culture
Interpreters understand cultural differences and know how to adapt language to avoid misunderstandings or inappropriate expressions. A good interpreter not only translates words, but also interprets gestures, tones of voice and cultural references, ensuring that the message is fully understood.
Security and confidentiality
Unlike automated tools, professional interpreters are bound by rules of ethics and confidentiality, which is crucial in areas such as law and healthcare. Confidentiality is vital in environments where sensitive data is handled, such as court cases, business negotiations and medical consultations.
4. Experience and know-how
Interpreters specialized in sectors such as medicine, law or business handle the specific terminology of each field, ensuring an accurate translation. Their training and experience enable them to understand complex concepts and convey them effectively in another language, avoiding confusion or misinterpretation.
Why a professional interpreter is essential
There are situations where having a professional interpreter is not optional, but a necessity:
International conferences and events: Simultaneous interpretation is key in forums where people from different countries participate.
Business negotiations: A misunderstanding in a business deal can have millions of dollars in consequences.
Medical and legal: Accurate communication can be vital in these sectors.
Tourism and public services: From customer service to emergency services, professional interpretation ensures a better experience for users.
But each interpreter has their own ways and ways of doing things, the best thing is that both have a good connection and good communication.
How to choose a good professional interpreter
When hiring an interpreter, there are several key factors to consider:
Training and certifications
An interpreter must have specialized studies in interpretation or translation. There are official certifications that accredit their training and experience, such as those granted by professional associations of interpreters. Verifying these credentials is essential to ensure that the interpreter has the proper training.
2. Experience in the required sector
Not all interpreters have the same specialization. A medical interpreter, for example, must be familiar with clinical and hospital terminology, while a business interpreter must know financial and commercial terms. Choosing a professional with experience in the specific sector guarantees an accurate and contextualized translation.
3. Languages and specialization
It is essential to ensure that the interpreter is fluent not only in the required language, but also in the dialect or specific linguistic variants. In addition, if the event or meeting deals with technical, scientific or legal topics, it is advisable that the interpreter has specialized knowledge in that area to avoid interpretation errors.
4. Recommendations and references
Checking reviews from previous clients or asking for references from previous work can be an excellent way to evaluate the quality of the interpreter. Recommendations from satisfied companies, organizations or clients provide confidence and let you know the interpreter’s level of professionalism.
Conclusion
Although technology is advancing rapidly, a professional interpreter remains irreplaceable in many contexts. Accuracy, cultural adaptation, confidentiality and the ability to interpret the tone and intent of a message mean that human interpreters remain essential.
AI is a great complementary tool, but it still cannot replace human sensitivity and understanding. So if you need to ensure effective, accurate and professional communication, it will always be better to opt for a professional interpreter rather than relying solely on automated tools.