THEORETICAL FOUNDATION OF INTERPRETING

“THE ROLE OF INTERPRETER”

LECTURER

Sofia Idawati Lubis S.Pd.,M.Hum

ARRANGED BY:

NINGRUM WIJATI
NPM. 1906010005

ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM

FAKULTAS KEGURUAN DAN ILMU PENDIDIKAN
UNIVERSITAS AL WASHLIYAH MEDAN
2020
 PREFACE

First of all, Thanks to Allah for helping me and give me chance to finish this
assignment timely. And I would like to say thank you to Mr. Sofia Idawati Lubis S.Pd.,
M.Hum as the lecturer that always teaches us and give much knowledge about how to
practice English well.

This assignment is the one of English task that composed of Practical English Usage
English As Second Language I realized this assignment is not perfect. But I hope it can be
useful for us. Critics and suggestion is needed here to make this assignment be better.

Hopefully we as a student in “English Education Study Program” can work more

professional by using English as the second language whatever we done. Thank you.

Medan, 8 Maret 2020

Author

Ningrum Wijati
NPM. 1906010005
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE..........................................................................................................................i
TABLE OF CONTENTS..................................................................................................ii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION......................................................................................1
A. Issue Background............................................................................................................1
B. Problem Formulation......................................................................................................1
CHAPTER II DISCUSSION............................................................................................2
A. The Definition Of Interpreter..........................................................................................2
B. The Role Of Interpreter...................................................................................................3-6
CHAPTER III CONCLUSION .......................................................................................7
A. Conclusion.....................................................................................................................7
B. Suggestion......................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................9
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

A. Issuue Background
Interpreting is essentially a verbal form of translation. It entails taking ideas and words
spoken in one language and rendering them in another language. It may sound simple enough
but more often than not this is a complex task. It requires extensive understanding of source
and target language, and of the culture of both. Otto Kade, a groundbreaking researcher on
interpretation said that Interpreting is a form of Translation in which a first and final rendition
in another language is produced on the basis of a one-time presentation of an utterance in a
source language (Pöchhacker 11).Interpreting is not only a verbal translation but also an
immediate one. The immediacy may vary to a degree in the different settings but it is always
a factor. The interpreter must re-render the utterance in the target language without
interrupting the flow of the event he takes part in. This aspect separates most distinctively
between interpreters and translators and often a person’s ease in such circumstances
determines which profession people choose. It is arguably a different skill to be able to delve
into a text and spend great time and effort on finding the exact equivalent meaning and
feeling of a text that can hold up to the original on print, than it takes toform an utterance
quickly and accurately without dwelling on detail

B. Problem Formulation
a. What is that Interpreter?
b. What are the roles of Intrepeter?
 CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION

A. Definition of Interpreter
Interpreters are communication and language experts who listen to, comprehend, and
translate oral communications from one language to another in conferences and other similar
public events, or in televised events and shows that are broadcasted internationally. In other
words, their services are required whenever the spoken language may not be understood by
all attendees. Interpreters may be self-employed or work for an agency dedicated to providing
such services.
Interpreters usually specialize in and work with two languages, their mother tongue and
any other chosen language. However, they may also specialize in a third or even a fourth
language, provided they possess high levels of fluency in either one.
There is a common misconception that Interpreters and Translators are the same. Even
though they’re both language experts, these two careers shouldn’t be confused with one
another, and the main difference between them is what they translate. While Interpreters
work with oral communications, Translators work with the written word; notwithstanding,
many of these professionals provide both types of services.
If you mean a human, then an interpreter is someone who hears or reads one language,
then speaks or writes the words that have the same meaning in another language. Places like
the U.N. and governmental embassies and agencies are full of them.
If you mean a computer interpreter, then an interpreter is a piece of code that reads text
written in a particular programming language, usually line by line, but sometimes by partial
line, and performs the actions implied by the read text immediately. An example of this is
WATFIV, for Waterloo FORTRAN IV, which read text in the form of [a super-set of a sub-
set of a program written in FORTRAN IV and performed the called for actions.
If you are talking about language, an interpreter is a person who knows both languages,
and can translate between them, easily. If you are talking about computers, an interpreter is a
program, that translates the programming language into machine readable language. Most
computer languages need to be translated into machine language, before they can be used on
a computer. While there are programs that can be run, in their native coding, that is a slow
process, and is only used when writing and trouble-shooting programs.
 An interpreter, on the other hand, has to be able to translate spoken words in two
directions. They do this using no resources or reference material bar their knowledge and
expertise. An interpreter is required to find linguistic solutions to problems on the spot. The
pressure therefore can be quite intense.
In addition to interpreting, the interpreter must also act as a bridge between people,
relaying tone, intentions and emotions. Where an interpreter is caught between cross fire they
need to demonstrate great professionalism and diplomacy. Their roles are therefore much
more complex as they have to deal with both language and people.
Interpreters work in settings such as schools, hospitals, courtrooms, meeting rooms, and
conference centers. Some work for translation and interpretation companies, individual
organizations, or private clients. Interpreters work on projects involving live translation:
Conferences and meetings, medical appointments, legal proceedings, live TV coverage, sign
language. Many translators also work remotely. Self-employed interpreters and translators
frequently have variable work schedules. Most interpreters and translators work full time
during regular business hours. Although interpreters typically needs at least a bachelor’s
degree, the most important requirement is to have native-level proficiency in English and at
least one other language.

Interpreting is an oral form of translation, enabling real-time cross-linguistic

communication either face-to-face, in a conference setting or over the phone. It can also be
called oral translation, real-time translation or personal translation. This is the process where
a person repeats what is said out loud in a different language.

Interpreting, just like translation, is basically paraphrasing—the interpreter listens to a

speaker in one language, grasps the content of what is being said, and then paraphrases his or
her understanding of the meaning using the tools of the target language. An interpreter
changes words into meaning, and then changes meaning back into words—of a different
language.

B. The role of Interpreter

Professional interpreters need to transpose the source language (language to be translated)
within context, preserving its original meaning but rephrasing idioms, colloquialisms, and
other culturally-specific references in ways the target audience can understand. An
interpreter's only resources are experience, a good memory, and quick reflexes.
 An interpreter must be able to translate in both directions on the spot, without using
dictionaries or other reference materials. Just as you cannot explain to someone a thought if
you did not fully understand it, neither can you translate or interpret something without
mastery of the subject matter being relayed. To be effective, the interpreter decides how to
best convey both the meaning of the words and the context in which those words were used.
This requires a high level of expertise in a subject area, current knowledge of different
cultures, and a great deal of experience. There are four roles of Interpeter, those are:

1. CONDUIT: in this role, the interpreter acts as a means for what is said by one party to
reach the other.This is the basic or default role of the interpreter. The interpreter speaks
exactly what has been said inthe other language, BECOMING THE VOICE OF THE
PATIENT AND THE PROVIDER. Interpreters have to
 listen to both speakers
 observe body language
 convert the meaning of all messages from one language to another
 without unnecessary additions, deletions, or changes in meaning
Interpreters must:
 Manage the flow of communication between all the parties present.

HOW?
 Intervene (verbally or nonverbally) when parties speak too fast or fail to allow the
interpreter time to interpret. 
 Manage turn-taking, indicating to individuals speaking at the same time that they will
be heard in sequential order or that a party must be allowed to finish speaking.

2. CLARIFIER : there are times when a term or phrase is not heard or understood. Usually
evidencedby a “blank stare” or a delay in the response to a question. In this role the
interpreter checks forunderstanding and seeks to remove any doubts about what was said.
The interpreter assumes thisrole when he/she believe it is necessary to facilitate
understanding. Interpreters are alert for possible words or concepts that might lead to a
misunderstanding. 
When there is evidence that any of the parties may be confused, 
interpreters may need to:
 Interrupt the communication process 

 Alert the parties that the interpreter is seeing signs of confusion from one or more of
the parties and identify the confusing word or concept.
  Request or assist the speaker of a word or concept unfamiliar to the listener or
interpreter to restate the unfamiliar word or concept in a simpler way.
 Explore ways to assist speakers to describe concepts using analogies, or “word
pictures” when there are no linguistic equivalents in either language.
Two Important Tips to Remember:
1. When interpreters begin speaking in their own voice, it is critical they clearly state to
both parties that the message is from the interpreter. (For example, the interpreter may
interject, “The interpreter would like to say…”)
2. Interpreters should allow the patient and provider adequate opportunity to
communicate common understandings without intervening. Wait until you're asked
for help to clarify before interrupting the flow of the communication.

3. CULTURAL BROKER or CULTURAL INTERFACE: taking on this role implies

having knowledgeon the particular cultural beliefs of the individuals you are interpreting
for. That knowledge of differentcultures allows the interpreter to detect cultural
misunderstandings and assume the role ofcultural interface, providing the necessary
cultural framework to clear up any misunderstanding. The cultural broker role goes
beyond word clarification to include a range of actions that typically relate to an
interpreter’s ultimate purpose of facilitating communication between parties not sharing
a common culture. Interpreters are alert to cultural words or concepts that might lead to a
misunderstanding, triggering a shift to the cultural broker role.
Interpreters have a fundamental role in helping both parties understand each other’s
explanations on health and illness. Why is it needed?
 Culture and language are inseparable.
 Concepts and words sometimes exist in one language but not another.
 Finding equivalent expressions is complex. 
 Cultural beliefs about health and illness around the world vary significantly from
the biomedical perspective.
 Many traditional health beliefs, practices, and healers lack equivalent terms.
 Patients/providers may perceive remarks as culturally inappropriate. This occurs
even though no disrespect was intended by either party. It happens more frequently
when patient and provider do not share a common understanding of illness and
medical treatment.
When there is evidence that any of the parties may be confused by cultural differences,
interpreters need to:
 Interrupt the communication process with a word, comment, or a gesture

 Alert both parties to potential miscommunication or misunderstanding (Interpreters

may say, for example, “As an interpreter, I think that there may be potential danger
for miscommunication/ misunderstanding.…”)
 Suggest cultural concerns that could be impeding mutual understanding
 Assist the patient in explaining the cultural concept to the provider, or the provider in
explaining the biomedical concept. When requested, interpreters also need to explain
the cultural custom, health belief or practice of the patient to the provider, or educate
the patient on the biomedical concept.

4. ADVOCATE: in this role, the interpreter goes beyond being the patient’s voice. Here the
interpreter ACTS on certain issues that he/she feels are necessary for the patientto get the
appropriate care heneeds. THE INTERPRETER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE
QUALITY OF CARE that the LEP patient is to receive. It is the most “active” role an
interpreter canassume and usually the leastfrequent one. There is a lot of controversy
over how much an interpreter should become involved in thepatient’s healthcare needs.
The general consensus is that this role should be assumed by the interpreter TO AVOID
HARM TO THE PATIENT OR ANOTHER PARTY.With each role the interpreter's
participation increases (incremental intervention). The interpreter’sparticipation is
minimal in the role of conduit and maximal in the role of advocate. The interpretershould
always assume the least invasive role that will permit effective communication.
Why is advocacy necessary?
 Limited-English speakers can face major cultural and linguistic barriers in accessing
and utilizing services at all levels of the healthcare system 
 Individuals with LEP find it difficult to advocate for their own right to the same level
of care as English-speaking patients.
 Interpreters are often the only individuals in a position to advocate on behalf of an
individual patient.
However, the Patient Advocate role must remain an optional role for each individual
healthcare interpreter in light of the high skill level skill required and the potential risk to
both patient and interpreter.
 CHAPTER III
CONCLUSION

A. Conclusion
Interpreters are certified individuals who convert oral content or sign language
content from one language to another language. In order for interpreters to do their job
properly, they must be excellent listeners, and they must also be proficient in at least two
foreign languages besides their native language. Interpreters are responsible for
understanding and remembering spoken content and its context in the original or source
language before converting it into a different language and sharing it out loud.
Certified interpreters can use their skills in different settings too. For example, they
can perform their interpreting duties in-person or at an on-site location, over-the-phone, or
via video conferencing, which is often referred to as video remote interpretation. Also, there
are a few different types of interpreting, which includes simultaneous, consecutive, liaison,
and sign language.An interpreter is someone who relays information between two people,
who speak different languages. The interpreter will be fluent in both languages and will
interpret back and forth between two people (consecutive interpreting) during a meeting, or
interpret the information from one person, normally a speaker at a conference, to a group of
people, known as simultaneous interpreting. An interpreter will always remain impartial, not
getting involved in any discussion or adding any of their own information or opinion, but be
present to simply transfer information back and forth and thus removing the language barrier.
An interpreter is able to translate orally between two languages in both directions,
without the use of any dictionaries, on the spot. They understand the subject
matter of the content they are translating as well as the culture behind it. There are different
levels of interpreters based on skill such as simultaneous interpreter, consecutive interpreter,
business aide. An interpreter ‘interprets’ meaning, ideas from one language into another
orally. They’re not translators, who translate words, but conveyors of ideas, from one culture
into another. Interpreters could be simultaneous or consecutive, conference or community,
but in every case. There are four rolse of interpreter:
1. CONDUIT
2. CLARIFIER
3. INTERFACE
4. ADVOCATE
 B. Suggestion
We are as the writer want to apology for the shortage of this paper. We know that this
paper is still far from perfect. So that we need the suggest from the reader for the perfection
of this paper. Thank you very much for the reader.
 REFERENCES

https://www.quora.com/What-is-an-interpreter-1
https://www.mnlanguageservices.com/interpretation/
https://www.languagescientific.com/what-is-the-difference-between-translation-and-
interpreting/
https://www.noricom.no/en/tolkensfunksjonogoppgaver