What service do I need?

  • The words “translation” and “interpretation (interpreting)” are often used interchangeably, but they are different.

    In short: translation focuses on written content, and takes some time to produce. Interpretation focuses on spoken or signed content, to facilitate communication in real-time.

    Translators and interpreters require slightly different skills. Translation requires attention to detail and commitment to conveying the contents accurately. On the other hand, interpreting requires situational awareness, as well as hearing and vocal health.

  • In simultaneous interpreting, interpreter listen to what the speaker is saying while relaying the contents in another language with a few seconds’ delay.

    Simultaneous interpreting is best for:

    • Situations with 1-2 speakers

    • Situations where one language is spoken most or all of the time

    • Situations where people have access to their own listening devices (laptop or phone, and earbuds)

    • Timebound meetings

    Due to human constraints, even the best interpreters cannot relay 100% of the information accurately while listening and speaking at the same time. If you need higher accuracy, consider consecutive interpreting.

    In consecutive interpreting, an interpreter first listens to what the speaker is saying, and then conveys the message in another language at a pause.

    Consecutive interpreting is best for:

    • Conversational format

    • Meetings where high accuracy is required (legal, sensitive, etc.)

    • Technical constraints (only one mic/speaker available, etc.)

  • RSI is a form of simultaneous interpreting that occurs on virtual platforms.

    Some methods used include:

    • Interpreting-specific platforms, such as KUDO, Interprefy, etc.

    • Meeting platforms with simultaneous interpreting features, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx

    • Setting up two lines, where the meeting occurs in the “main line” and interpreting occurs in the “back channel” that people may listen to

  • When choosing a linguist, it’s important to know the candidate’s strengths and backgrounds in different subjects.

    In Japanese-English language pair, some of the most common specialties are:

    • Manufacturing / Automotive

    • Pharmaceutical

    • Community Interpreting (supporting Japanese expats assigned to locations in the US)

    • IT / Technology

    • Investor Relations

    In addition, some linguists may be more comfortable with translation vs. interpretation, consecutive vs. simultaneous, on-site vs. remote. Please feel free to ask!

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HOW DO I become a translator?

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  • Professional translators aren’t just bilingual — they have advanced comprehension and writing skills in both languages, as well as the cultures(s) they come from. You’ll need to understand nuance, tone, and cultural context deeply.

  • Translation requires both education and experience in the field. You may start translating for your family and friends at first, and soon realize that you need more non-language skills to facilitate further. Aspiring translators often attend academic programs (e.g. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs), short-term intesive courses, weekend classes, and other training programs to hone their writing, speaking, and research skills.

  • Translators often specialize in a certain field to stand out in the market. Some of them include:

    • Literary – books, poetry, and creative works.

    • Legal – contracts, patents, court documents, and legal proceedings.

    • Medical - patient records, visit summaries, medical research, and pharmaceutical documents.

    • Technical – user manuals, engineering documents, and technology-related texts.

    • Business & Marketing - promotional materials, investor relations, business reports, and corporate documents.

    • Audiovisual Translation – subtitles, dubbing scripts, and voice-over content.

  • Often, translators’ career paths start with translation and localization agencies. When translators are more experienced, they may utilize freelance platforms to connect with direct clients (ex. businesses, law firms, hospitals).

  • This is probably the most important part of translators’ careers, as they earn many direct clients through word of mouth. Some ideas include:

    • Attend professional conferences (local and national)

    • Participate in continuing education (CE) classes

    • Find and connect with professionals on LinkedIn

Why hire
a human translator?

It’s true — AI is taking over many translation and interpreting jobs across the world. In some cases, AI and hybrid AI-human language access solutions can even be appropriate when users are risk-informed (source).

When AI facilitates human communication by imitating our languages, it could overlook:

  • Intent, nuance, and tones

  • How high the stakes are

  • Diversity of cultures and communications

  • Confidentiality and ethics

  • Background information — especially related to hierarchy and proper politeness

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