Have you ever watched an interpreter in action and wondered, ‘How do they do it?’
While interpreters may be fluent in multiple languages, being bilingual or multilingual alone doesn’t make someone a professional interpreter.
Becoming an interpreter requires training and years of practice to develop a unique way of thinking, speaking and converting the spoken word from one language into another.
This enables interpreters to provide accurate consecutive or simultaneous interpretation.
The Process of Interpreting
To understand how the mind of an interpreter works, one must first appreciate the complex cognitive processes involved: an interpreter must first listen to the speaker, comprehend what the speaker says, translate it into another language and finally, articulate the translation.
A breakdown in any step can impact quality, so interpreters must excel in all to be effective.
The Effect of Interpreting on the Brain
Interpreters typically work in 30-minute intervals to prevent cognitive overload which can cause rapid burnout or even fainting. Despite this, interpreters possess remarkable brainpower.
After years of training and experience an interpreter’s brain adapts to withstand higher levels of cognitive overload. The neuroplasticity in their brains improve exponentially and this allows them to navigate cognitive limitations and sharpen the use of executive function.
Research on the Interpreter’s Brain
The complexity of interpreting has sparked scientific interest leading to research on how the interpreter’s brain functions. One of the most notable studies led by Barbara Moser-Mercer, a researcher and interpreter at the University of Geneva, used MRI scans to examine interpreters at work. The findings revealed that no single part of the brain works in isolation. Instead, various areas work together in harmony to allow interpreters to do their job effectively.
The research underscores the incredible cognitive abilities that interpreters develop through years of rigorous training. Their mental agility is truly a superpower.
The next time you attend a conference or meeting where there is an interpreter, remember they are the superheroes of cognitive performance.
Looking for a professional interpreter for your next event or meeting? Connect with us for more information on how we can support your interpreting needs.
While interpreters may be fluent in multiple languages, being bilingual or multilingual alone doesn’t make someone a professional interpreter.
Becoming an interpreter requires training and years of practice to develop a unique way of thinking, speaking and converting the spoken word from one language into another.
This enables interpreters to provide accurate consecutive or simultaneous interpretation.
The Process of Interpreting
To understand how the mind of an interpreter works, one must first appreciate the complex cognitive processes involved: an interpreter must first listen to the speaker, comprehend what the speaker says, translate it into another language and finally, articulate the translation.
A breakdown in any step can impact quality, so interpreters must excel in all to be effective.
The Effect of Interpreting on the Brain
Interpreters typically work in 30-minute intervals to prevent cognitive overload which can cause rapid burnout or even fainting. Despite this, interpreters possess remarkable brainpower.
After years of training and experience an interpreter’s brain adapts to withstand higher levels of cognitive overload. The neuroplasticity in their brains improve exponentially and this allows them to navigate cognitive limitations and sharpen the use of executive function.
Research on the Interpreter’s Brain
The complexity of interpreting has sparked scientific interest leading to research on how the interpreter’s brain functions. One of the most notable studies led by Barbara Moser-Mercer, a researcher and interpreter at the University of Geneva, used MRI scans to examine interpreters at work. The findings revealed that no single part of the brain works in isolation. Instead, various areas work together in harmony to allow interpreters to do their job effectively.
The research underscores the incredible cognitive abilities that interpreters develop through years of rigorous training. Their mental agility is truly a superpower.
The next time you attend a conference or meeting where there is an interpreter, remember they are the superheroes of cognitive performance.
Looking for a professional interpreter for your next event or meeting? Connect with us for more information on how we can support your interpreting needs.
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