THE 4 KEY TRAITS OF A GOOD INTERPRETER

Good interpretation is not about delivering the words or top notch speaking skill; it means delivering speaker’s thoughts and linking ideas. To be a good interpreter, the following are a best three attributes …

Soft Skills :

A good interpreter is more than just a skilled linguist – he or she is someone who is willing and able to be a good, compassionate listener. Interpreters must make sense of a message composed in one language while simultaneously constructing and articulating the same message in another tongue. Also, soft skill like excellent sensory, motor and cognitive skills need to work in unison to ensure that not only language, but all nuances and idioms are picked up on and relayed in a comprehensible way, within a fraction of time.

 Multiple languages skill:

An interpreter should be able to speak just as well, and preferably better, than a native speaker. Superior grammatical knowledge and the ability to interpret idioms, nuance and metaphors in conversation is essential to effective communication. Because interpreters are working in real-time, they can rarely consult a trusted dictionary or reference materials. Therefore, good interpreters will have to have a very good knowledge of the subject-matter and the language and abbreviations or jargon associated with the subject.

Cultural Knowledge:

Just as specialist subject knowledge is very important, interpreters must also be aware of the culture of the languages they are interpreting from and into.

Emotional resilience:

 Some Interpreters, specially Legal and medical interpreters are often involved in cases that are high-profile or difficult to witness. In such instances, they have to show high levels of resilience and control with the people they are there to represent.