Do I need a Portuguese Translator or a Portuguese Interpreter? Do Brazilians speak Spanish, Brazilian, or Portuguese? Do I need a simultaneous or consecutive interpreter? What is an Escort Interpreter? How much do these services cost?
Do I need a Portuguese Translator or a Portuguese Interpreter?
That is an important question when hiring a professional. I’ll give you a brief description:
A Portuguese Translator is someone who works with written materials. For the most part, a translator will have a document in a “source” language (let’s say English), and he or she will perform the required translation into the “target” language (let’s say Portuguese). This professional will have software, dictionaries and online resources to help him complete his work. He/she will have time to review the documents and make changes to make it sound more natural. Think of someone who translates books.
An interpreter on the other hand, is someone who works verbally. The interpreter will hear a sentence or portion thereof in language A, and immediately render his/her interpretation in language B. Think of someone who interprets meetings at the United Nations.
Visit this link for more details on Portuguese translator: http://theatacompass.org/2013/06/20/what-is-the-difference-between-translation-and-interpreting/
Do Brazilians speak Spanish, Brazilian, or Portuguese?
Brazilians speak Portuguese. Although many Brazilians do speak Spanish or English as a second Language, their native language is Portuguese! (That’s a simple one). Although there are subtle differences in the pronunciation of the different types of Portuguese spoken in different countries, in 2009 there was an agreement signed between the countries, which unified them. So in essence, a Brazilian or a Portuguese Translator should be able to help you with basic translation needs.
Do I need a simultaneous or consecutive interpreter?
The answer to this question is usually determined by what is intended to accomplish.
A Simultaneous Interpreter will do just that; simultaneously interpret what he or she hears, from one language into another. Normally this mode is used when time is limited, during a speech for example. If the speaker is clear and speaks at a normal rate (not rushing), this mode will add no material time to a given presentation.
So, one might ask, why don’t we just use simultaneous interpreters all the time?
Short answer: COST. Mainly because in order for simultaneous interpretation to be done properly, you need two professionals who will alternate every 20 minute intervals (the rest period allows one to refresh and come back focused and energized to continue the assignment). There is also the need for equipment, a radio transmitter or an infra-red transmitter, microphone, receivers and headphones, sound isolated booths and amplifiers may be needed depending on the circumstances.
Consecutive interpreters usually listen to a segment of a given speech, and once there is a break, he or she will render the interpretation of that segment, meanwhile the original speaker must pause until the full interpretation is rendered, and take up from that point for another short segment. Consecutive Interpreting will just about double the time of any presentation. This mode requires few to no equipment, and can be done by a single individual for 6-8 hours given some breaks in between.
What is an Escort Interpreter?
An Escort Interpreter, is an interpreter who is usually hired for a single person to stand next to and interpret for this person at any moment whether at lunch or during a business meeting. An Escort Interpreter should be capable of working simultaneously or consecutively, and he or she should be able to know when it is appropriate to switch from one to the other.
How much do these services cost?
The cost for these services can vary. Some of the factors that affect pricing are:
Volume: How many words (For Portuguese translators).? How many hours (for interpreters)? Will this be a one-time job or is there possibility for additional work?
Deadline: When do you need the project completed by (for Portuguese translators)? Express turnaround is available, but usually at a premium. How far ahead are you scheduling this assignment (for interpreters)?
Vocabulary: How technical a subject is, directly affects the amount of time that has to be spent in order to deliver a high quality results.