A Spanish interpreter is a person who translates oral conversations between two or more people who are conversing in Spanish and another language. Although an interpreter and a translator are similar, the two terms are not interchangeable. In general, a translator works with the written word and typically only works in one direction, such as translating Spanish to English but not English to Spanish. The “source language” and the “target language” are the terms used to describe these languages. An interpreter, on the other hand, performs on-the-spot oral translations in both directions.
Simultaneous and consecutive interpretation are the two types of interpretation. Simultaneous interpreters, who usually speak through a microphone from another room, speak at the same time as the original language speaker. This type of Spanish interpreter must be able to think quickly and have a working knowledge of the topics being discussed in order to listen and translate at the same time, ensuring that the true meaning of the sentence is conveyed while no information is lost. A simultaneous Spanish interpreter, on the other hand, starts interpreting after the original speaker has finished a thought and paused, giving the interpreter time to speak. Most consecutive interpreters will take notes while the original speaker is speaking to ensure that the entire thought is accurately conveyed.
Because a Spanish interpreter must work much faster than a translator, he or she must possess excellent grammar and language skills in both languages, as well as an exceptional memory. The majority of people are better suited to either translating or interpreting, but rarely both. Some interpreters are required to learn additional information about the subjects they will be interpreting; for example, court interpreters and medical interpreters are both highly specialized fields with unique terminology.
To avoid offending someone, an interpreter must be aware of any cultural differences between the two languages. Many interpreters work as freelancers, but others may find steady work in a medical setting like a hospital, a judicial court, or a government office. The United Nations employs a large number of simultaneous interpreters on a permanent basis. While a degree isn’t required, many employers prefer that their interpreters have one or have completed a training program. It is necessary to be fluent in Spanish and at least one other language in order to be a successful Spanish interpreter.