3 04 2025

Very few people understand the world of interpretation. They often conflate it either with translation, dubbing, or other related but different disciplines. What even fewer people understand is what it takes to be an interpreter. There is a common misconception that merely possessing knowledge of multiple languages is a qualification for a person to act as a professional interpreter. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is, interpretation is a multifaceted discipline, and being an interpreter requires proficiency in different streams. Today, in this article, we will see what it takes to be an interpreter and why we must appreciate those who ace this unique field.

What is Interpretation?

Let’s start with the fundamental question: what is interpretation? Interpretation refers to the process by which uttered words are conveyed in another language in real-time. This is carried out by interpreters, who assume a position between speakers and listeners of different linguistic backgrounds and make communication possible between them by converting the words of the speaker into the language of the listener.

In the olden times, the work of interpretation was primarily carried out by travelers and traders. Why? Because of their exposure to foreign cultures and languages in comparison to other sections of society. In modern times, there are professional interpreters working for interpretation services in Bangalore, New York, London, Mumbai, Dubai, and other cosmopolitan hubs where cross-cultural interactions are an everyday necessity.

At the outset, this may seem like an easy job to do, but it is not. Being an interpreter requires multidisciplinary knowledge, skills, cognitive fitness, and much more. Want to know what it takes to be a successful interpreter? Keep reading.

Linguistic Proficiency

This is the foundation of interpretation. To convey words spoken in one language into another, you must know the languages, right? But you must know them well—like, very well. For an interpreter, knowing a language doesn’t just mean having some basic understanding or speaking skills. It means having complete command over both the source and target languages to the extent that you can simultaneously communicate in them without any interruptions or pauses.

Niche Expertise

Alright, let’s suppose you have the linguistic proficiency to simultaneously communicate in multiple languages. Does that make one worthy of being an interpreter in professional interpretation services in Bangalore and other places? Unfortunately, no. Because communication is much more than just words. It is also about the content that is being conveyed through the words. Just because one is fluent in English doesn’t mean that he or she would be able to understand a lecture delivered in the language on neurology, let alone convey it in another language.

Interpretation services are availed in a wide range of contexts—business, technical, legal, medical, official, and much more. This is why, apart from their linguistic skills, an interpreter must have sufficient expertise in certain niches to be able to shine as a professional.

Cultural Awareness

A language is much more than what is spoken. To understand the true meaning of a statement, one must understand what is being implied. The meaning of words often changes according to context, but the form they take depends greatly on the culture to which they belong. As a result, professional interpreters must also be well aware of the cultural aspects of the languages they deal with, or the risk of misunderstanding always looms.

Cognitive Fitness

For an interpreter working in professional interpretation services in Bangalore, cognitive skills have to be as sharp as a knife. When an interpreter is doing his or her job, they receive auditory input (spoken words), process it within themselves, and render the output in another language in real-time. This they do for extended periods without breaks or pauses. This is a psychologically taxing job that tests the patience, perseverance, and focus of the interpreters. It takes them to the limits of their cognitive abilities. As such, it is essential for professional interpreters to have a very high level of cognitive fitness.

FAQs

Q1. Can a person from any stream become a professional interpreter?

Yes, a person from any stream can become a professional interpreter after receiving the right training and doing a lot of practice.

Q2. Do professional interpretation services in Bangalore train interpreters?

Absolutely. Established interpretation services such as Bhasha Bharati Arts help their interpreters improve their skills.

Q3. Are there simultaneous interpretation services in Bangalore?

Yes, high-quality simultaneous interpretation services are provided by Bhasha Bharati Arts in Bangalore.

Q4. Is interpretation the same as translation?

Interpretation focuses on spoken words, while translation deals with written documents.

Sum Up

To be an interpreter requires a high level of command over languages, cultural awareness, niche expertise, and cognitive fitness. After reading this article, you must have developed a newfound appreciation for interpreters.

In case you are looking for expert interpreters in Bangalore for an event or meeting, then look no further than Bhasha Bharati Arts. Home to the best interpreters in the city, Bhasha Bharati Arts is well known for its top quality interpretation services in Bangalore.

To know more, contact Bhasha Bharati Arts today through the official website.

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