Swearing in an Interpreter

[Rosalie DeLeonardis]

I just finished a depo where an interpreter was used. I said my usual statement, which is: You do promise to translate from English into Spanish and from Spanish into English to the best of your ability. The interpreter's response was No, he would not translate, that he would interpret, I used the wrong word. Uh???? That's the way I've been doing it for 12 years and have never been told I was doing my job wrong. The funny thing about it the attorney asked him what does that mean, are you going to translate or not. The interpreter said yes, he would, and again stated I used the wrong word. What do other deposition reporters say? I'm also wondering if it's different in court since he's a court certified interpreter. My afternoon job, same case, was to be held at a doctor's office, which I was informed would problably not go and that I would be taking a statement out in the parking lot. Today was the first time I ever took a depo outside, and also used the tailgate of my Tahoe to set my machine on. What a fun day!

[Rosalie DeLeonardis]

Again, thank you for all your information. It's really appreciated. Have a good evening.

[Brenda Rogers]

You know, I think it's a term of art. Interpreters are pretty adamant that they interpret, they don't translate, just as we are court reporters and not court recorders. I mean, that just grates, doesn't it?

Here's a link describing the difference, which does go beyond the dictionary definition, as most terms of art do. http://www.ricintl.com/interpreting_vs_translation.html

Hope this helps!

[Rosalie DeLeonardis]

I do have a question for you, though, because the interpreter gave me the same definition as you did, so I had to look up the two words. The definition of translate is: "To turn from one language into another or from a foreign language into one's own: to translate Spanish," this is the definition in my dictionary, which I can't tell you the name of because it's old and the hardcover is off but it's the huge dictionary I bought when I first started reporting. . The definition for Interpret is: "To give or provide the meaning of; explain; explicate; elucidate; to interpret the hidden meaning of a parable." And, of course, "Interpreter" is "A person who interprets, a person who provides an oral translation between speakers who speak different languages." Help me understand what I'm missing between the two because no where does it say "translate" refers to the written word and "interpret" refers to spoken word. I think my problem is I'm just amazed that this came up. All I can say is my jaw dropped and I could feel my face turn red. I asked him what did I say that was wrong, blah, blah, blah. So, again, please help me understand what I'm missing between the two definitions. Thank you for replying.

[Brenda Rogers]

The last interpreter I worked with and I had a little education session with the atty, because he kept saying the translator, and when I'd reply to him, I'd say interpreter. So he asked if there was a difference.

I'd say most people don't know or care about the difference and most interpreters let it go. Yours was just being a stickler. But I have to admit, when someone calls me a court recorder, I do correct them -- well, usually. So I guess i can understand his feelings. :)

[Rosalie DeLeonardis]

Thanks for the info. I know he was right but no one in 12 years has ever said anything.

[Brenda Rogers]

I've always used "interpret" in the oath. "Interpret" refers to the spoken word; "translate" refers to the written word. That's what he was objecting to. Other interpreters have just let it slide, it sounds like. He was right.