CHAPTER 8: PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETING
Introduction
Interpreting is the process of transferring meaning from one language (the source language) into another language (the target language) orally or through signs.
Unlike translation, which usually deals with written texts, interpreting happens in real time during communication.
An interpreter does not simply replace words with words. The interpreter must understand the meaning, context, culture, tone, and purpose of the message and communicate it accurately.
Example:
A doctor says in English:
“You need to take this medicine twice daily after meals.”
An interpreter translating into Swahili does not only change the words but communicates the meaning:
“Unapaswa kutumia dawa hii mara mbili kwa siku baada ya kula.”
The interpreter must ensure the patient understands the instruction correctly.
Differentiating Intralingual, Interlingual and Sign Language Interpreting
This activity focuses on understanding the three main types of interpreting.
1. Intralingual Interpreting
Intralingual interpreting means interpreting within the same language. It involves changing difficult language into simpler or clearer language without changing the meaning.
It is also called same-language interpreting.
Example:
Original statement:
“The patient is experiencing hypertension.” Intralingual interpretation:
“The patient has high blood pressure.”
Both statements are in English, but the second one is easier to understand.
Other examples:
- A teacher explaining difficult academic terms to students.
- A news reporter simplifying complex political information.
- A lawyer explaining legal terms to a client.
Interlingual Interpreting
Interlingual interpreting involves interpreting between two different languages.
The interpreter transfers meaning from one language to another.
Example:
English:
“Where is the nearest hospital?” Swahili:
“Hospitali iliyo karibu iko wapi?”
The meaning moves from English to Swahili.
Common settings:
- International conferences
- Courts
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Business meetings
Sign Language Interpreting
Sign language interpreting involves transferring spoken language into sign language or signs into spoken language.
It allows communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing people and hearing people.
Example:
A teacher says:
“The examination will begin at 9:00 a.m.”
A sign language interpreter communicates this message using signs.
Another example:
A deaf student signs a question, and the interpreter communicates it verbally to the teacher.
Practising Intralingual Interpreting
This activity develops the ability to explain information using the same language.
Example 1:
Original:
“The government implemented measures to mitigate environmental degradation.” Simplified English:
“The government introduced actions to reduce damage to the environment.” The meaning remains the same, but the language becomes easier.
Example 2:
Original:
“The defendant was found guilty of the offence.” Simplified:
“The court decided that the person committed the crime.”
Skills needed for intralingual interpreting:
- Good understanding of vocabulary
- Ability to simplify information
- Knowledge of the audience
- Ability to maintain the original meaning
Practising Interlingual Interpreting
This activity involves interpreting between different languages.
Example:
Source language (English):
“Please fill out this form before seeing the doctor.” Target language (Swahili):
“Tafadhali jaza fomu hii kabla ya kumuona daktari.”
Example in a court:
Judge:
“You have the right to remain silent.” Interpreter:
“Una haki ya kukaa kimya.”
The interpreter must not add personal opinions or remove information.
Important skills:
- Language competence — knowing both languages well.
- Listening ability — understanding the speaker quickly.
- Memory skills — remembering information while interpreting.
- Cultural awareness — understanding cultural differences.
Practising Sign Language Interpretation
This activity focuses on communication through signs.
Sign language interpreters help people who use sign language participate in education, employment, healthcare, and legal processes.
Example:
Spoken message:
“The meeting has been postponed until Friday.” Sign interpretation:
The interpreter communicates the idea through appropriate signs.
Challenges in sign language interpretation:
- Different countries have different sign languages.
- Facial expressions and body movements carry meaning.
- The interpreter must understand both spoken language and visual communication.
Analysing Theories and Principles of Interpreting
Interpreting theories explain how interpreters should approach their work.
1. Theory of Equivalence
This theory states that the interpreter should produce a message with the same meaning and effect as the original.
Example:
English:
“Break a leg!”
Literal meaning:
“Break your leg.”
But culturally it means:
“Good luck!”
A good interpreter gives the intended meaning, not just the words.
2. Sense-for-Sense Theory
This principle emphasizes interpreting the meaning rather than translating every word.
Example:
English:
“It’s raining cats and dogs.”
A word-for-word interpretation would be confusing.
The meaning is:
“It is raining heavily.”
3. Role Theory
This theory explains that an interpreter acts as a communication bridge, not as a participant.
Example:
During a medical appointment:
Doctor:
“Do you have any allergies?” Patient:
“Yes, I am allergic to some medicines.”
The interpreter communicates the information but does not give medical advice.
Main Principles of Interpreting
1. Accuracy
The interpreter must communicate the correct meaning.
Example:
A lawyer’s statement must not be changed or shortened.
2. Confidentiality
Information heard during interpreting must remain private.
Example:
A hospital interpreter cannot tell others about a patient’s illness.
3. Neutrality
The interpreter should not support one side.
Example:
In court, the interpreter must treat both the accused and the judge fairly.
4. Completeness
The interpreter should include all important information.
Example:
The interpreter should not remove statements because they seem unimportant.
Discussing the Ethics of Interpreting Ethics are the moral rules that guide professional behaviour.
Important ethical principles include:
1. Confidentiality
Interpreters must protect private information.
Example:
A counselor tells a client’s personal story. The interpreter must not share it outside the session.
2. Accuracy
The interpreter must provide a faithful interpretation.
Example:
If a speaker says:
“I disagree with the decision,” the interpreter must not change it to:
“I dislike the decision.”
3. Impartiality
The interpreter should not show personal opinions.
Example:
If interpreting a political debate, the interpreter must represent both sides equally.
4. Professional Competence
Interpreters should only accept assignments they are qualified to handle.
Example:
A person who does not understand medical terminology should not interpret a complex surgery discussion.
Interpreting Conversations in a Variety of Settings
Interpreters work in many environments.
1. Medical Interpreting
Used in hospitals and clinics.
Example:
Doctor:
“You need to take these tablets three times a day.” Interpreter:
Communicates the instruction accurately to the patient.
Important qualities:
- Accuracy
- Sensitivity
- Confidentiality
2. Court Interpreting
Used in legal situations.
Example:
Judge:
“Do you swear to tell the truth?”
Interpreter communicates this to the person who does not understand the court language.
Important qualities:
- Neutrality
- Precision
- Knowledge of legal terms
3. Educational Interpreting
Used in schools and universities.
Example:
A lecturer explains a lesson in English while an interpreter provides sign language interpretation for deaf students.
4. Business Interpreting
Used during meetings between people speaking different languages.
Example:
A Tanzanian company meets Japanese investors. An interpreter helps both sides communicate.
5. Conference Interpreting
Used at international events.
Example:
At a United Nations meeting, interpreters help delegates understand different languages.
Summary of Chapter Eight
| Concept | Meaning Example |
| Intralingual interpreting | Changing language within the Difficult English → same language Simple English |
| Interlingual interpreting | Interpreting between languages English → Swahili |
| Sign language interpreting | Spoken language ↔ signs Speech → Sign language |
| Accuracy | Correct meaning transfer No changing information |
| Confidentiality | Keeping information private Protecting patient details |
| Neutrality | No personal opinions Fair court interpretation |
| Ethics | Professional moral rules Respecting privacy |
In conclusion, interpreting is a skilled activity that requires language ability, cultural knowledge, ethical behaviour, and the ability to communicate meaning accurately in different situations.
