Language interpretation
Interpreting is a translational activity in which one produces a first and final target-language output on the basis of a one-time exposure to an expression in a source language.
This article is about interpreting natural languages. For interpreting programming languages, see Interpreter (computing).
The most common two modes of interpreting are simultaneous interpreting, which is done at the time of the exposure to the source language, and consecutive interpreting, which is done at breaks to this exposure.
Interpreting is an ancient human activity which predates the invention of writing.[1]
Etymology[edit]
Many Indo-European languages have words for interpreting and interpreter.[1] Expressions in Germanic, Scandinavian and Slavic languages denoting an interpreter can be traced back to Akkadian, around 1900 BCE.[1] The Akkadian root targumânu/turgumânu also gave rise to the term dragoman via an etymological sideline from Arabic.[6]
The English word interpreter, however, is derived from Latin interpres (meaning 'expounder', 'person explaining what is obscure'), whose semantic roots are not clear.[7] Some scholars take the second part of the word to be derived from partes or pretium (meaning 'price', which fits the meaning of a 'middleman', 'intermediary' or 'commercial go-between'), but others have suggested a Sanskrit root.[7]
Associations[edit]
There are a number of interpreting and translation associations around the world, including the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters, the International Association of Conference Interpreters, the China Accreditation Test for Translators and Interpreters, the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council, the Institute of Translation & Interpreting, the Argentine Association of Conference Interpreters, and the American Association of Language Specialists.