[Cristina Restrepo]

Hi again Lesly. I’m glad to hear that we share many things in common such as being neighbors and both coming from a Colombian background, having two beautiful daughters and also sharing similar experiences growing up in a household with English as a second language. I hope the transition from being a stay at home mom to student and future medical professional is a smooth one. I am sure this new career opportunity will help you grow even more professionally and personally.

[Cristina Restrepo]

Art, if you have the opportunity to visit Colombia please do as you will not regret it. Colombia is such a beautiful country with so much to offer that I am sure you will love it there. From the people to the food, the scenery, the weather, the experiences you get to live there are definitely one of a kind. I am from the city of Medellin and most tourists usually go during La feria de las Flores in early August or in December to celebrate the holidays as there are many activities going on throughout the city during those times.

[Cristina Restrepo]

Hi Lesly, thank you for explaining so well why it is important to understand that a translator is not the same as an interpreter, and as you said it, it’s to make sure the right professional is employed to ultimately ensure the job is done correctly.
You also pointed out the high level of focus an interpreter needs to have to accurately convey messages, and that is spot on considering the distractions they can face while working in certain environments such as hospitals, court rooms, etc.

[Cristina Restrepo]

The most important difference between a translator and an interpreter is the type of language each of them works with because translators work with written language and interpreters work with spoken or signed language.

Other important differences between a translator and an interpreter are the skills needed to perform each job. For example, translators need to have great grammar, strong writing skills as well as an understanding of the subtle differences between the languages being translated. Also since translators work with written language they normally have time to research and revise their work for accuracy. They also work in one direction meaning that they translate from the source language to the target language, being the target language their native language.
On the other hand, interpreters work with spoken or signed language so the skills needed to perform the job are great listening skills, good memory and the ability to translate or convey meaning in real time. They also work in two directions meaning they go back and forth between the source and target language.

When it comes to the challenges, interpreters can encounter cultural differences in style of communication, also specialized knowledge of terminology that is used in a particular area such as law or medicine. Another challenge is the speed of speech and accents as it could make it difficult for the interpreter to understand what is being said. Also cultural expressions or sayings that have no translation. Being neutral and accurate is also a challenge as interpreters need to avoid adding their own opinions when interpreting.

While translators can face similar challenges as interpreters there are some challenges that only apply to translators such as avoiding literal word for word translation as it can affect the accuracy of the message being conveyed. Also keeping up with new words and expressions as languages are constantly evolving. Another interesting challenge is the competition with machine translators as they are becoming increasingly popular. Lastly, as translators work with written language they might need to collaborate with other professionals to ensure accuracy of translation.

To conclude, it is important to understand that an interpreter is not the same as a translator because they work with completely different formats of language. While the translator works with written language, the interpreter works with spoken or signed language. This key difference gives each career its own unique challenges and rewards.

[Cristina Restrepo]

Hi Leonisa, I am glad to be working with someone that shares the same experience of interpreting for parents and relatives from a young age. Also happy to hear that you want to use your knowledge in both languages to help the Cape Verdean community where you live. I’m sure you will make a difference anywhere you decide to work.

[Cristina Restrepo]

Hello Art, thank you for sharing your journey in the medical interpreting career. It gives us encouragement and insight as to what to expect after obtaining this certification. I am really excited to see what is in store for us for the following 10 weeks. Looking forward to working with you.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Cristina Restrepo.

[Cristina Restrepo]

Hello all, my name is Cristina Restrepo and I live in the state of Rhode Island. I am originally from Colombia and speak fluent Spanish as well as English. I moved into the United States when I was 15 years old and ever since I moved here I have been passionate about helping others, especially when it comes to language barriers.

My parents and many family members speak broken English or don’t speak it at all. So I used to serve as an interpreter for my family in all kinds of life situations and circumstances. In 2016 I lost my beloved grandmother to cancer and in between doctors appointments, radiation and chemotherapy treatments and specialists visits I realized that I could use my bilingual skills to help other patients that face the same struggle of not speaking the English language. I truly believe that it is crucial for patients to understand completely and thoroughly what is happening with their health, specially when diagnosed with any illness or disease.

With my grandmother I had the experience of translating in many medical settings, however, I didn’t not have the medical background needed to do it accurately. Many years passed by and I became a Dental hygienists and that motivated me even more to become a medical interpreter as where I work we see patients with diverse backgrounds many of them being Hispanics. Many of them do not speak English and I have to translate for my fellow coworkers with diagnosis and treatment plans that involve a lot of medical terminology.

I am excited to expand my knowledge in medical terminology and use the skills gained to help others be heard and understood. Also to help medical providers communicate effectively with their patients.

[Author]

Posts