Guide to Buying Interpreting Services, Part V: Interpreting Terms to Know

Interpreters help power the global economy, working with businesses, governments, non-profits and individuals. They are an integral part of global communication. Interpreters work with the spoken or signed word. The American Translators Association (ATA) has developed a Guide to Buying Interpreting Services as a resource to help clients identify, select and work with interpreters.

When working with interpreters, it is helpful to be aware of terms that are specific to the profession.

INTERPRETING: converting spoken or signed speech from one language into another.

TRANSLATION: converting written text from one language into another.

Computer-assisted Interpreting (CAI): The use of computer software to increase a human interpreter’s productivity and consistency, such as quickly searching glossaries to find the right term. This is different from machine Interpreting.

Credentialed Interpreter: ATA’s designation for an interpreter who has been assessed as competent in two or more languages by a professional organization or government entity that evaluates interpreting skills and knowledge.

Interpreting Equipment: Various types of equipment, such as microphones, headsets, booths or audiovisual technology may be used by interpreters.

Language pair: The combination of a Source and Target language in relation to the interpreting process. Examples of language pairs are English to Spanish or Spanish to English. An interpreter may work in more than one language pair.

Machine Interpreting (MI): When a spoken message is converted from one language to another, without the involvement of human interpreters.

Modality: Means of delivering interpreting services, such as over the phone, in person, or video remote interpreting.

Mode of Interpreting: Established method for the delivery of language interpreting services, such as consecutive or simultaneous.

Remote Interpreting Platform: A specialized application used to host interpreting sessions between interpreters and participants.

Source language: Language of the original message.

Target audience: The public for whom the interpreting services are provided.

Video Conference Platform: Any application used to host meetings, seminars or webinar sessions that may include features for interpretation in one or more languages, such as Zoom.