Translations not spoken

Lately the term translation, as used in the media, has often been misunderstood or misused. Translation refers to changing a written word or text into a written word or text of another language. It is interpreting that converts spoken or signed language into another spoken or signed language.

The Weekend Herald quoted Minister Kelvin Davis proudly announcing, “we’ve organised the simultaneous translation earpieces for everybody” to understand the speeches on the marae on Waitangi Day. There is no simultaneous translation but there is simultaneous interpreting and hopefully these interpreters will be trained and qualified for this important job.

When the announcer on National Radio says after a report from overseas, “you just heard the voice of the translator”, it also should be, “you just heard the voice of the interpreter”.

Dr Sabine Fenton, Past President of NZ Society of Translators and Interpreters.