RUSSIAN = ENGLISH

Translating Words, Interpreting Cultures

Words embedded in the culture of one country often have no precise equivalents in the language of another. The anthropologist Edward Hall points out: “No two languages are alike; some are so dissimilar that they force the speaker into two different images of reality.” For an American, the word “lunch” may suggest a ham and cheese sandwich and a cup of coffee, while for a Russian, “obed” points to a salad, soup, meat, fried potatoes, and dessert. It takes an interpreter with a thorough knowledge of both language and culture to provide an accurate reflection of the true meaning behind the words. As the Japanese say, you have to understand not only the words, but also the silence between them.

What Makes a Good Translator or Interpreter

“Interpreting is a tough job. It requires a love of words, a respect for the law, strength of character, stamina, and humility. The goal is to do the job so well that the language barrier simply evaporates...”
— Jim Watrous, from The Business Journal, Law - Legalese Column  

A good translator must have a talent for languages, know the languages extremely well, have a good all-around education, a lot of stamina, and a tremendous command of terminology and vocabulary. An initial penchant or gift for ability to think in two (or more) languages at the same time needs to be present, the professional training in code switching and moving back and forth between the languages is a must, but a vast knowledge of many subjects is a prerequisite. Most people believe that if you are bilingual, you can interpret. That's about as true as saying that if you have two hands, you can be a concert pianist.

We Are Partners

Not even the best translator or interpreter can step into an assignment unprepared. For more in-depth knowledge of the subject, a language professional requires background materials: documentation on the subject, company- and industry-specific terminology, as well as information on the company, speakers, and even the audience — information that only the client can supply. Sometimes it is sufficient just to glance over the outline before the speech or seminar. But often, translators and interpreters spend many hours on preliminary research. How much supporting material the client provides and how much time the language professional spends on preparation will in the end decide whether they are partners in the art of translation or in the crime of distortion.