Interpreting expression is not a simple equivalence of translation, and a good translator may not be competent in interpreting. It is necessary to clarify the difference between translation and interpretation. This paper analyzes the differences between them from two aspects: working methods and language use, so as to help book translators better understand them and promote their development in China.
The difference between translation and interpretation
Interpretation, also known as "simultaneous translation", plays an important role in translating two languages and enhancing the communication between China and people all over the world. With more and more contacts between China and the outside world, its relations with the world organizations in the fields of politics, economy, science and culture are getting closer and closer, and the demand for interpreters in various places is becoming increasingly urgent. However, there are many people who know foreign languages in China, and there are more and more excellent interpreters. However, interpreters cannot simply be replaced by translators, and there are certain differences between interpretation and translation.
Like any other language, the material element of spoken English is sound, which speaks to the ears, while the material element of written English is words or graphics, which speaks to the eyes. According to B.I. Evans, they are so far apart that they almost constitute two different languages. "
Evans believes that translation and interpretation are almost like two different languages. Evans may be exaggerating a bit, but after all, he has got to the point. There is a big difference between translation and interpretation. This paper briefly discusses the difference between them from two aspects.
First, the different working methods.
1. Interpretation is always done in a short time, sometimes even at the same time. The main task of an interpreter is to convey the speaker's ideas to the audience correctly so that both sides can communicate with each other. Therefore, interpreters often choose the words that come to mind first, and the sentence structure and expression used are relatively simple. Due to time constraints, interpreters cannot consult any documents or materials, ask any experts or scholars for help, and must make the audience understand the speaker's language immediately. Since translators are not limited by time, they can choose the most appropriate wording with the help of reference books. In terms of sentence structure, translators often use rhetorical methods such as complex sentences, complex sentences, metaphors and parallelism to beautify the translation. Translators can also have time to discuss and get help from others before writing the translation, and the translation can also be revised by senior experts. It can be seen that interpreters must work independently, while translators can cooperate with others.
2. Since interpretation always takes place in public places, such as meeting places, interpreters must face a large audience; Translators can choose their places at will and work quietly in libraries, reference rooms and study rooms. Therefore, another difference between interpretation and translation is that interpreters must have good psychological quality in order to face the audience calmly and overcome stage fright. The specific method is to exercise more at ordinary times, try to find opportunities to contact the organizers and speakers before the meeting, and learn as much as possible about the background knowledge of the meeting. If you attend a professional translation conference, you can read some materials in this field in advance, so that you can have a good idea before the meeting and prevent emotional tension from affecting the quality of translation. Of course, translators also have their advantages in facing the audience. According to the change of the speaker's tone, the interpreter can deeply understand the inner meaning of the speech and can also use it.
Second, the use of language is different.
1. Lexical differences
For example: ① A shoe store in a commercial street has a sign that says, "All shoes here are for shoppers. Come in and have a try." Foreign tourists asked what was written on the translation sign. The commentator explained, "Shoes for street wear. Come in and sit down. " As soon as the foreign tourists stopped suddenly, they quickly fled the shoe store. Why is this? It turns out that the interpreter's "walking around the streets" means "prostitutes soliciting in the street" in English. It is conceivable that the translator will be fired when he returns to the company.
② At the opening ceremony of an international fashion festival in Dalian. After the guests were seated, the host first delivered a speech, "Ladies and gentlemen. Good evening, everyone, please sit down, and the press conference will begin immediately. " There are many foreigners among the guests. The translation immediately translated into English "Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated." At first glance, there is nothing wrong with it. Actually, this is the translator's translation method. It doesn't matter, but it makes the foreigners in the seat fidgety and at a loss. They are thinking, "aren't they all seated?" Why don't you get up and find a place to sit? " In fact, the correct interpretation of the last sentence is: "Please pay attention." Thesis reference network
2. Syntactic differences
Speaking and writing are two different things, each with its own characteristics. Through comparison, we find that there are many differences in syntax, that is, sentence structure.
(1) structure
Translation generally emphasizes the integrity of sentence structure; Translating a sentence usually requires the elements of the sentence to be in place. On the contrary, interpretation tends to be simple and lively; Therefore, what can be reduced in interpretation will be reduced, and what can be reduced will be reduced.