Interpreting Chinses and English Language - Essay Example

Running Head: INTERPRETATIONS INTERPRETING CHINSES AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE Language interpretations Language is a tool that helps one person to communicate. Thoughts and feelings of a person are communicated through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written or verbal symbols. These written or verbal symbols, words, phrases and sentences are used in different languages to communicate (Language - definition of language by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia). People belonging different ethnic backgrounds have different style of speaking. However, people living in different parts of the world used different languages to communicate with each other. Every country has its own languages. Example: China has Chinese, America has English, and Pakistan has Urdu etc. People living in their homeland are very well aware of their native language but when they travel or migrate to other countries; it gets difficult for them to communicate to people of different countries in their own language. But there is a language which is known as a universal language and that language is normally used and known by all. The language which is referred as a universal language or more appropriately known as an international passport is the English language (Translation, Interpretation and Language Links). English language is one such language which is normally known and used in most of the nations of the world. English is known as an international passport for the reason that if anybody is not aware of the language of any country, English is one such language which can help in at least communicating for a while. Let us understand this notion through an example. Example: If a person is travelling to China for a meeting and the delegates there are not aware of the language, he will take a translator along so that he can translate the Chinese language into a common language which is normally English so that he helps that person in understanding the language through his known language. Nevertheless, translator may be of help at that point and time but a question that will arise in such a situation is that while translating, the meaning and the interpretation of the said words is appropriately translated or gauged. It happens many times that there are certain words with dual meaning but the usage of the words is done according to the context and given situation. For translating, it is important to apply rules for combining components, such as words with the background so that one may interpret it as it is said. It is also observed that traditional communications link between cultures is formed by non-native speakers, that is, individuals who are completely fluent in one (the native) language and proficient in another (the non-native language) which is normally a role of translator. Beyond translation, these individuals are also asked to provide analysis and interpretation so that the actual meaning and the context can be understood. However, it is very important to counter difficulties at the time of translation so that interpretation can be accurately done which will eliminate the factor of miscommunication or misunderstanding (Corpus-based approaches to semantic interpretation in natural language processing_(Natural Language Processing) - AI Magazine Encyclopedia_com). Thus, there are many problems in interpreting languages and when we talk about interpreting Chinese and English languages simultaneously; there are some major issues which may occur. Problems encountered while simultaneous interpretation There are times when people having command over languages may face problems due to not being aware of the actual scenario in which certain things are said. While interpreting the facts, one may encounter the following problems: Lack of relevant prior knowledge: The most common problem which is faced by the translators while translating and then interpreting Chinese to English of English to Chinese is due to the fact of not having prior knowledge. Translators are the ones who are third party vendors and are hired to fulfill the gap of language or linguistic difference. However, it is a point to ponder that background cannot be understood by the third party in depth as it is in the minds of the people who are in the circle. Unfamiliar or unusual use of terminology: Another significant problem while interpreting languages in occurred due to unfamiliarly with the terminologies being used in the conversation. As besides native language all other languages are known only at the primary level by outsiders, it is difficult for a person who does not speak in such languages very frequently and it becomes very difficult for them if any unusual terminology is used. As in English, idioms and phrases are used at certain point and time to make the notion understand, if there will be phrases used in Chinese language, it will be a point of ponder at that level which may change the meaning of the said words. Weak syntax: It does happen that when we are just familiar at the basic or initial level, our grammar and sentence formation is not that strong which is another problem encountered while interpreting and translating. However, there is no such obligation in knowing all languages but less usage of different languages may cause weak syntax which may lead different interpretations. Unpredictable simple structures: Another important fact to understand while interpreting is that there may be a usage of simple structured sentences which are normally not predicted in technical or crucial meetings. Sometimes it happens that the person is not able to identify the meaning hided in the simply structured sentences and thus, he/she gets confused in gauging its true meaning. Unusual stylized syntax: There are times when natives of a nation speaking their own language may use their language in their particular style. Such style is commonly observed in the culture difference that people have. For a person who just knows the language for the sake of understanding the basic idea may get stuck in unusually stylized syntax. It may happen in both Chinese and English languages as both languages used in different nations have different backgrounds. Thus, it stumbles as problem while interpreting text. Complex syntax: Complex or difficult grammar also creates problem for the new ones to understand or to interpret what is being said. Complex syntax makes it difficult for a person to gauge the context and thus there is a chance of misinterpretation. Approaches suggested while interpreting languages There are certain approaches or we may tips that we need to take into consideration while interpreting other languages. These approaches are formulated or devised keeping in mind the problems which occur in the process of translating or interpreting the text. Tip #1: Search the Background The first and the foremost approach are to search the background in which the conversation is taking place. One should be aware of the background knowledge which helps in giving and setting a mindset for the situation. Tip # 2: Get the insight Insight is one thing which helps in knowing the context in which the conversation is taking place. However, insight can be achieved through research and search about the background information at the initial stage. Tip # 3: Know the Context Another approach while interpreting is to know the context in which the conversation is taking place. Same words can be used for different situations but the real meaning of those can be gauged through the context. Tip # 4: Use a dictionary Usage of two language dictionaries is very helpful in certain conditions as it helps in knowing simultaneous meanings of languages. It also presents diverse stance which also helps in gauging context Tip # 5: Usage of Syntax Usage of grammar can improve understanding level and can help in interpreting different languages. However, usage of a language which is not native is very difficult in daily lives and thus dictionaries can help in such circumstances. Conclusion The main motive while communicating is to make sure that the true interpretation is transformed. Interpreting can be a hassle if one does not keep in mind the approaches and the problem areas (Corpus-based approaches to semantic interpretation in natural language processing_(Natural Language Processing) - AI Magazine Encyclopedia_com). All you need to do is to take precautionary measures which are relevant to the nature of interpretation in order to avoid miscommunication and misinterpretation. Reference Corpus-based approaches to semantic interpretation in natural language processing_(Natural Language Processing) - AI Magazine Encyclopedia_com, Accessed on April 21, 2009 Language - definition of language by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia, Accessed on April 21, 2009 Translation, Interpretation and Language Links, Accessed on April 21, 2009 Read More