Language translator professionals use different Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) software for their work. For the language translator, CAT refers to the various different software that assist human translators. These tools are created by humans- meaning they need human interference to function. These programs employ different features to make language translating easier for human use. Machine Translation (MT) on the other hand, is a computer that works independently, with limited human interaction. This equipment listens to human conversation and produces translations on its own. So really, the only human interaction is either in the pre or post editing phase of a project.
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Public Service Interpreting Shouldn’t Include Your Family
Public service interpreting work occurs wherever individuals connect with their communities. Their "office building" is any public space in that community. Officially, public service interpreters facilitate conversation between Limited English Proficient (LEP) people and the public institutions from which they require services, skills or information. Such institutions can include public libraries, local courtrooms or public schools and anything in between. Unofficially, they use their skills to help LEP individuals- or those with disabilities- to receive accurate information and access essential services from public institutions.
For these client populations, family members are often present at your public service interpreting appointments- usually to provide emotional support for your client. Which is a reasonable thing to expect, and is relatable on a basic human level to want support... as long as that is where the family member's role begins and ends. Because for this clientele specifically, family members often double as interpreters. Which can present some problems of it's own...
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Translator Training Emphasizing Translation Memory Is Vital
Translator training isn't the same everywhere you go. With so many options, it can feel like a lot of pressure to pick the right one. Before providing payment, there are a few questions you should know the answer to... Do you want to learn from a real teacher, who can provide feedback in the moment? Or do you want to teach yourself, through videos and readings from a cheap online course? Do you value gaining experience through learning at an internship? How do you want to use your translation certificate at the end of the course? Do you feel it is necessary to learn industry technology like translation memory?
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Interpreter School Is Still Important Even With A.I
A medical interpreter certification teaches you how to communicate with doctors, understand what they are saying in one language, and repeat it to their patient in another language. It teaches you how to do all of this in an instant, and how to do so with confidence. These days, medical interpreters utilize Artificial Intelligence (A.I). It can make interactions more seamless and easier to understand. It can record and save transcripts of official conversations. It can do a lot in a short amount of time that would take humans a lot longer to do. But can it replace a human interpreter? Can A.I actually take over all of the medical interpreting jobs that humans need? Do you still need to go to interpreter school?
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