Getting your idea across in other languagesTM

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question to reveal its answer.

  • What is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?

    Interpreter: renders spoken messages from one language into another.
    Translator: renders written messages from one language into another.

  • When do I need an interpreter?

    At a meeting, deposition, mediation, hearing, civil trial, conference or other encounter involving speakers of foreign languages in which the communication is primarily oral.

  • When do I need a translator?

    When you need English-language documents accurately translated into a foreign language(s) or vice versa.

  • What is the difference between a "bilingual" and a professional translator/interpreter?

    Bilingual is a relative term that does not clearly specify how well a person speaks, understands, writes and reads two languages. While many people in the United States can conduct everyday communication in two languages, very few can effectively communicate complex legal, financial, or medical concepts from one language to another. A professional translator or interpreter must be highly articulate in his/her native and foreign languages, and be able to inter-lingually reformulate highly technical language without omitting, adding or embellishing the original message.

  • Is Spanish the only language you offer?

    Spanish is the primary offering but David can get you a highly qualified translator or interpreter of a language other than Spanish.

  • Who are your associates?

    When an assignment warrants the use of two Spanish interpreters or more, David teams up with a colleague(s). If David is not personally available for Spanish assignments, he is very selective about the translator or interpreter that will cover. For assignments involving other languages, the same principle applies.

  • Why does it pay to get a formally-trained translator/interpreter?

    If you address your medical concerns to an M.D., your legal worries to a J.D., your accounting problems to a CPA, why wouldn't you call an MATI (M.A. in Translation and Interpretation) when clear communication across different languages and cultures is essential?

    Although a degree is not required to practice in this field, an individual who has graduate-level training in translation/interpretation most often can provide a greater degree of interlingual precision under the most demanding of circumstances. Programs such as the one at the Monterey Institute of International Studies teach students of translation/interpretation to carefully monitor output, research terminology effectively, have strong professional ethics, possess a superior ability to handle situational challenges, and help clients better understand how to ensure clear translingual communication.

  • What does the M.A. program in translation and interpretation at the Monterey Institute of International Studies entail?

    It involves two years of full-time study in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, sight translation, written translation, terminology, public speaking, ethics and practice issues. Interpreting students are put through exercises and examinations that simulate interpretation at international conferences (United Nations-level), court hearings, and business meetings. The translation component of the program consists of demanding exercises involving written and sight translations of legal, political, medical, scientific, technical and business texts.

    Each student's performance is heavily-scrutinized by professors who have interpreted and/or translated at the highest levels of the profession and is also critiqued by fellow students. There is also an important theoretical component to this program, which allows graduates to possess a strong understanding of the underpinnings of successful translation and interpretation.

  • How can I ensure that I get the best interpreter for my bilingual/multilingual event?

    The best professional interpreters tend to book up their calendars weeks or sometimes even months in advance. By reserving an interpreter as far in advance as possible, it is much easier to provide you with the professional foreign language assistance you require.

  • What is consecutive interpretation?

    When the speaker talks for anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes and then pauses to allow the interpreter to convey what was said into another language. This mode of interpreting is used in a variety of situations, ranging from witness testimony to interviews to thank you speeches by foreign delegates at international events. Consecutive, especially for rendering long speeches, requires excellent memory, pacing and note-taking skills.

  • What is simultaneous interpretation?

    When the interpreter conveys what one person is saying into another language at the same time. This mode is most often used in conferences and court hearings. This mode requires the interpreter to have strong dual-task and pacing skills while being able make constant split-second decisions about syntax and semantics.

  • What is sight translation?

    When the content of a written document is rendered into another language orally. This mode is often used when a written translation of a document has not been translated into the participant's language but (s)he needs to understand the content nonetheless. Many patient information forms or court documents written only in English need to be sight translated.

  • What does MATI stand for?

    Master of Arts in Translation and Interpretation