In communicating across languages and cultures, miscommunication is inevitable. Both words and non-verbal cues can be misinterpreted with disastrous results. Former Presidents have used a hand signal that has been interpreted in a wide variety of ways from "I love you" in American sign language, to hook 'em Horns in the state of Texas, to a secret code of the Illuminati.

Significance

When it is important to get the message across correctly, having a qualified interpreter on hand is a benefit. In court rooms interpreters assist in communicating laws and messages between the judge and jury and the defendant or prosecution. In legal matters it is essential that no misunderstandings occur.

Time Frame

Interpreting messages in live situations saves time. In hospitals when people's lives are at risk interpreters can quickly communicate between a patient and medical professionals. Accurate interpretations can be a matter of life and death.

Effects

Interpreting communication can have a great effect on the enjoyment or ability to participate in cultural activities. Local churches who have interpreters for the deaf and those who speak other languages enable those members of the community to participate and enjoy the message and the music.

Misconceptions

Interpretation and translation are not to be confused. They are different processes. Interpretation takes spoken language from one source and communicates the message into a different language. Translation deals with written messages and rewrites them into another language.

Potential

There is a great potential for people who know more than one language to work as interpreters as permanent employment or as voluntary service. Interpreters are needed in many aspects of society including education, medicine, law, business and recreation.

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What benefits does interpretation bring to historic site management-Success!

Interpretation Services

State of Interpretation in Scotland