What Is Court Interpreting?

When people hear the term interpreting, some would often think that it is the same as translating. But what differentiates these two is that translating refers to a written document that is changed from one language to another while interpreting is when an actual spoken language is involved. Hence, these two should not be confused with one another because they hold different functions and purposes. Interpreting takes place in different settings and one type is court interpreting which involves a certified professional who communicates the verbal message from one language to another during a court trial or a court hearing.

Court interpreting is integral in a court trial or hearing because there are people who are unable to understand English which is the primary language used in courts. Court interpreters play an important part in court proceedings because they are the ones helping people who have generally limited English ability to understand what is being conveyed in court. So firstly, court interpreters should not only have an extensive knowledge of the English vocabulary but also in a variety of languages as much as possible. Aside from this, they are also expected to be knowledgeable about the court proceedings, its rules and procedures. This is primarily because they are the ones interpreting the spoken message in court and their understanding will help the people who are unable to grasp the spoken language to stay connected and comprehend what is happening.

The work of court interpreters is demanding because they have to do a lot of things all at the same time. During court trials, they are expected to listen and understand what is being discussed while also summarizing and interpreting the facts in its exact form and entirety. They do not only interpret for those who cannot understand the language spoken during a court trial but they also interpret the spoken language of a person who is unable to speak in the primary language used during the hearing. This instance happens when this person is actually participating during the trial as a state witness, victim or defendant. If the person is speaking a language that is foreign to the court itself, it is the court interpreter's duty to interpret what the person is saying for the others to understand the message.

Court interpreting is a kind of work that might be taxing that is why continuous learning is a must in order to master the English language and what need to be known during court proceedings.