What is involved in Court Interpreting?

Make no mistake; interpreting and translating are two entirely different professions. Written documents are the subject of translation, while actual spoken words are dealt with in the art of interpreting – both requiring some similar and some entirely different skill sets. Thus, legal translation, despite sharing the common ground of linguistics and the legal sphere, is an entirely different animal to that of courti nterpreting. The practice of court interpreting involves an expert linguist communicating words spoken in a court trial or hearing from one language to another – sometimes even simultaneously. 

It is an essential service to those present in a court of law that do not understand the language that proceedings are being conducted in. If the said party does not understand what is being said, or if other factions involved are not able to understand the individual(s) in question, the smooth running of a legal case is made an impossible task. Therefore it is vital to use a native speaking interpreter who is fluent in essentially two languages aside from their own – the source language and the language of law. Fluency in the source language will be achieved through years of study and prior interpreting experience, and a detailed knowledge of legal terminology and jargon will be achieved through similar means. The latter is absolutely crucial in order to be on par with legal professionals inside the courtroom in terms of knowing exactly what is going on, aided by a complete understanding of court protocol and procedure.

Multitasking should be second nature to court interpreters, to whom sharpness, speed and accuracy are attributes that serve them well in the profession. Whilst listening to and understanding the legal proceedings that are often anything but clear-cut to those without legal nous, court interpreters at the same time have to summarise and interpret the facts in a way that mirrors exactly what is being said, yet simultaneously shaping it into the target in a manner that extends acres beyond word-for-word interpreting. The feeling and sentiment of what is being said has to be conveyed accurately as well, as obviously this is pivotal to underpinning statements from victims, witnesses and the accused whose emotions displayed are going to have a significant influence on the judge and jury.

Court interpreting services are undoubtedly one of the most demanding and high pressure forms of interpreting in existence. The effort, study, skill and determination needed is substantial, but the work which is so integral to legal systems worldwide is immensely rewarding to those who have what it takes.

Search about shirt drukken and custom apron.