Being an interpreter is a demanding but rewarding career that calls for a high degree of aptitude, focus, and planning. A successful interpretation job or assignment depends on your level of preparation, regardless of your experience as an interpreter. This post will go over the crucial measures you should take to get ready for an interpreting job, including knowing the assignment’s background, improving your language abilities, and becoming knowledgeable about the subject.

Here are some ways to prepare for an interpreting Job or Assignment:

Understanding the Context

It is imperative to fully comprehend the assignment’s context before taking on an interpreting assignment. First, learn as much as you can about the languages that are being used. You will have a solid foundation if you speak both languages well, but it is crucial to be aware of any regional slang, dialects, or specialized terminology that might be used. If you do not speak one of the languages well, think about whether you will need a language partner or other tools to ensure that you comprehend and communicate the information correctly.

Next, ascertain the kind of interpretation that is needed. While simultaneous interpretation calls for you to interpret in real-time while the speaker is speaking, consecutive interpretation entails listening to a speaker before expressing the message in the target language. Similar to simultaneous interpretation, whispered interpretation is performed quietly for a single or small group of listeners. You can better prepare your mind and body for the task at hand by being aware of the kind of interpretation that is needed.

Lastly, familiarize yourself with the assignment’s subject matter. This could entail reading background material, doing internet research, or speaking with subject-matter experts. Knowing the subject matter will enable you to anticipate possible difficulties and make appropriate preparations in addition to assisting with accurate interpretation.

Researching the Topic

One of the most important things to do when getting ready for an interpreting job or assignment is research. It entails researching the topic thoroughly to become acquainted with the terms, ideas, and subtleties that you might run into when interpreting. There are several ways to conduct research on this topic, including reading pertinent books, articles, or documents, viewing videos, or listening to recordings. You can also learn a lot and improve your comprehension of the context in which the interpretation will occur by speaking with subject matter experts or others who are knowledgeable in the field. The more you understand about the subject, the more assured and equipped you will feel to provide a precise and compelling interpretation.

Practicing Your Language Skills

Being an interpreter is a tough job that calls for both fluency and a thorough comprehension of the subtle differences between the two languages being used. It takes consistent practice to preserve and advance your language abilities. This can involve conversing with native speakers, watching movies or TV shows, and reading books, newspapers, or articles in both languages. Do not forget to practice interpreting as well. You can do this by either shadowing, which is simply repeating what you hear in real-time, or by interpreting speeches or dialogues. Maintaining your language proficiency through practice also helps you get ready for the variety of challenges that come with interpreting assignments.

Familiarizing Yourself with the Venue

Photo by Edmond Dantès

Gaining an understanding of the physical surroundings in which you will be interpreting can improve your performance significantly. If at all possible, pay a visit to the location in advance to become acquainted with its layout, acoustics, and any potential problems that might arise, like dim lighting or background noise. This can assist you in anticipating and getting ready for any challenges that might arise during the assignment itself. Being acquainted with the location can also make you feel more at ease and self-assured, both of which will improve your interpreting skills.

Creating a Glossary

Making a glossary of essential terms in both languages can be very beneficial for assignments that are technical or specialized. Throughout the interpreting process, interpreters can quickly and easily access and translate crucial terms by using this resource as a reference guide. To ensure effective use, the glossary should be arranged in a way that makes sense to the interpreter—for example, alphabetically or according to topics.

A well-written glossary ensures that complex or industry-specific terminology is translated accurately, which improves the overall quality of the interpretation in addition to assisting in accurate and consistent interpretation. To continuously improve their language proficiency and interpreting skills, interpreters should update and expand their glossaries to include new terms and concepts.

Getting Adequate Rest

It is crucial to get enough sleep the night before an interpreting assignment. Fatigue seriously impairs both mental acuity and intense concentration, which are necessary for interpreting. The difficulties of interpreting, such as processing complex information, focusing for extended periods, and providing accurate interpretations, are better handled by an interpreter who gets enough sleep. 

Interpreters should prioritize getting a full night’s sleep before an assignment to perform at their best. They should also refrain from doing anything that could interfere with their sleep, like drinking coffee or doing intense physical activity. Getting enough sleep helps interpreters think more clearly and feel better overall, which makes it easier for them to work at their best and provide accurate interpretations.

Conclusion

Careful planning and close attention to detail are necessary when getting ready for an interpreting job or assignment. Your chances of delivering a successful interpretation will increase if you familiarize yourself with the venue and equipment, practice your language skills, learn the topic, and understand the context. Remind yourself to get enough sleep, engage in active listening, and evaluate your performance to keep getting better at interpreting.

For those looking for additional support, Unspoken Language Services offers interpreting services to help bridge the communication gap between the deaf and hearing communities. 

Thumbnail Photo Credit to: Photo by Mikhail Nilov