雅思阅读背景资料：笔译口译

5月21日曾经考过的欧洲森林保护和笔译口译，现提供一些背景知识供大家复习参考！

Interpretation and Interpreter

A. Although the terms interpretation and translation are often used interchangeably, by strict definition, interpretation refers to the spoken language, and translation to the written language.

B. A competent translator should be very acquainted with the following points: A detailed knowledge of the subject matter is equally as important as academic knowledge of the language pairs, in certain cases (technical manuals for example) it plays a greater role. An ability to write well is also important. Proofreading and editing is a good way to break into the industry and the skills gained will help you later on; Although a degree may not be absolutely necessary, a qualification in translation is important; Practice the language! Take a language course or work towards a degree or whatever you feel is appropriate. Read newspapers in that language and keep abreast of the culture, listen to music and news from that country ff able to. Travel to the country as often as you are able to; No course of study will ever be 100% perfect. Only you can judge whether it is the right one to meet your needs; Those basic qualifications will help one get started but after that it is one's experience on the job and performance as a translator that counts; There are more opportunities for freelance translators than In-House; Attend local translation events and seminars. It will not only help one learn more about different subjects, it will also help one make contacts in the translation and interpreting field.

C. interpretation is generally categorized into consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation. The former refers to the circumstance where the interpreter waits until a complete statement has been spoken and then begins interpreting (so only one person is speaking at a time). It is used primarily to interpret witness testimony, a situation in which everyone in the courtroom needs to hear the interpretation. Simultaneous interpretation is generally considered inappropriate for witness testimony -- unless the courtroom is equipped with wireless equipment for that purpose -- because hearing two voices at once is too distracting.

D. A court interpreter is anyone who interprets in a civil or criminal court proceeding ( e.g., arraignment, motion, pretrial conference, preliminary hearing, deposition, trial) for a witness or defendant who speaks or understands little or no English.
E. Court interpreters must accurately interpret for individuals with a high level of education and an expansive vocabulary, as well as persons with very limited language skills without changing the language register of the speaker. For the other languages, the following self-study techniques are suggested: (1) expand your vocabulary, (2) develop your own glossaries, and (3) develop interpreting techniques, namely, consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, and sight translation.

F. in addition to total fluency in both English and the foreign language, a court interpreter should have excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills. Sometimes the testimony to be interpreted is shocking or traumatic, and the interpreter must be able to deal with such matters without becoming emotionally involved. The interpreter must also be able to refrain from expressing personal opinions or acting as an advocate for one side or the other in a court case, and must be able to work unobtrusively. The interpreter must be able to work well under pressure and react quickly to solve complex linguistic and ethical problems as they arise. On the other hand, when a  problem cannot be solved by the interpreter alone, the interpreter must demons What the good judgment required to inform the court of that fact and take whatever steps are necessary to resolve the situation. And finally, good court interpreters constantly strive to improve their skills by reading from a wide variety of sources, attending conferences, researching new terms and concepts, and honing their interpreting techniques.

G. There is a great demand for certified court interpreters in areas with large immigrant populations. Most court interpreters work as freelance or per-diem interpreters, meaning that they are hired by the day or the half day, rather than being permanent employees of the trial courts. Some trial courts, however, have permanent positions for court interpreters. A freelance interpreter must be willing to travel from one trial court to another, perhaps even from one county trial court system to another, to be assured of full-time work. Court interpreters are generally paid by the whole or half day. Currently, court interpreters are paid $ 265 a day and $147 for half day. Trial court systems that have permanent positions for court interpreters pay between $ 30, 000 and $ 66, 000 per year, depending on location and experience.

H. Interpreters of languages for which there is no state certifying examination are called "registered interpreters of non-designated languages." Non-designated languages are languages for which there are no state certifying examinations. Registered interpreters must meet the requirements developed for court interpreters as well as pass an English proficiency exam that tests their knowledge of English, court procedure, and professional ethics.

I. Professional associations offer workshops and conferences at which novices are welcome. introductory courses in court interpreting at colleges and universities are also good sources of information. Attending court sessions at one's local courthouse will give one a good idea of the kinds of proceedings in which one will be expected to interpret, and one may be able to observe a certified court interpreter at work.

（乐静 北京新东方学校优秀雅思教师）