[Lesly Betancur]

Cristina, your explanation of the skills required is spot on. Translators need strong writing abilities and a deep understanding of grammar, as well as the opportunity to research and refine their translations. Interpreters, on the other hand, rely heavily on their listening skills, memory, and the ability to convey meaning immediately and accurately, often with little time to process the information. It’s also interesting how you pointed out the neutrality required of interpreters, as they must remain impartial and focus solely on the message. As for translators, you’ve brought up an important point about avoiding literal translations, which can distort the intended meaning. The evolution of language and the growing presence of machine translators also add new layers of complexity to their work, making it essential for translators to stay current with trends and terminology.

[Lesly Betancur]

Leonisa, I completely agree with your points. You’ve done a great job outlining the distinct challenges faced by both interpreters and translators. The real-time nature of an interpreter’s job definitely demands sharp memory retention, quick thinking, and the ability to focus under pressure. It’s not just about translating words, but also about maintaining accuracy and conveying the speaker’s intent and tone in an instant, especially when dealing with unfamiliar terminology or dialectical variations. Your example of Cape Verde, where accents and slang vary across islands, really highlights how dynamic and challenging interpreting can be because us Colombians experience the same when we’re communicating with other people from different parts of Colombia.

[Lesly Betancur]

The roles of an interpreter and a translator are often confused, but they are distinct in both their functions and skill sets. The primary difference between the two is how they work. Interpreters work with verbal communication, whether it’s face to face, video/audio call, while translators work with linguistic content, converting it from one written language into another.

One of the biggest challenges an interpreter faces is the need to convey meaning immediately and accurately in real-time. This requires not only fluency in both languages but also the ability to think quickly and maintain a high level of focus. Interpreters must capture nuances, tone, and intent as they listen and speak. Another challenge that interpreters face is they are often required to work under pressure, especially in settings like medical or legal environments where the stakes are high, and miscommunication can have serious consequences. Their work is usually time sensitive and require significant memory retention skills.

Translators have the advantage of time. They work with written content and can take more time to research and choose the most accurate words and phrases. A challenge for translators is awareness of cultural context, idiomatic expressions, and specialized terminology, which can be tricky, particularly in fields like law, medicine, or technical fields. Also, translators may struggle with finding the perfect equivalent for certain terms, especially when there is no direct translation in the target language.

Understanding the difference between the two is crucial to ensure the appropriate expertise is applied. By recognizing these differences, professionals and clients can make informed decisions about which service is needed for a particular situation, ensuring effective communication and minimizing misunderstandings.

[Lesly Betancur]

Hi Cristina, we’re neighbors! What a small world, RI residents. We also share similar experiences as well growing up interpreting for our family members which is why we are here today LoL. I’m excited to see how you continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and help bridge communication gaps in healthcare with your bilingual skills and background in dental hygiene. Looking forward to be working with you all in this course!

[Lesly Betancur]

Hi Joseph, it’s great to see how your vast experience and dedication to communication have led you to pursue interpreting. Your story about being mentored and now wanting to give back is amazing to hear! I’m sure your background will provide valuable insights as you embark on this new challenge.

[Lesly Betancur]

Hi Leonisa, your story is inspiring. Your commitment to helping others and fostering clear communication is commendable. I’m excited to see how you continue to make a positive impact in your community through your work as a medical interpreter!

[Lesly Betancur]

Hi Art, thank you for your words of encouragement, back in college Anatomy wasn’t one of my strengths which made me a bit nervous on pursuing being a medical interpreter but like you said with perseverance anything is possible. I’m looking forward to these next 10 weeks!

[Lesly Betancur]

Hello everyone, my name is Lesly Betancur. I am a first generation American-Colombian, fluent in both English and Spanish, a dedicated mother of two beautiful girls and on a mission to re-enter the healthcare field in a way that allows me to make a meaningful impact in my community with flexibility. After taking time to raise my children, I am eager to return to my passion for healthcare, now with a new focus on becoming a medical interpreter. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, and I am committed to improving healthcare accessibility and services. I see my role as a medical interpreter as a way to contribute to both these fields, ensuring clear communication and a more inclusive healthcare environment.
My parents migrated from Colombia so the English language was difficult for them to navigate. I was born and raised in Rhode Island, and growing up, I naturally took on the role of an interpreter for my family. Whether it was translating documents, conversations, or helping my family navigate various situations, I’ve always had a passion for facilitating communication. This experience fueled my drive to become a professional medical interpreter. I believe communication is vital in connecting people and cultures. I’m excited to pursue this career to help encourage dialogue and ensure all voices are acknowledged, regardless of language or background everyone deserves access to quality care and accurate communication with healthcare providers. My goal is not only to help patients feel heard and understood but also to empower them to take charge of their health. By becoming a medical interpreter, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare environment while also providing for my family and growing professionally.

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