Top 5 Myths About Interpretation and Translation Services
Top 5 Myths About Interpretation and Translation Services
Everyday we use language to communicate our thoughts, ask for help, understand documents and coexist with others.
But when people speak different languages, interpretation and translation services become essential tools.
At Vandu Languages, we often come across widespread myths about what interpreters and translators actually do. These myths can cause confusion, unrealistic expectations, or even lead people to choose the wrong type of service.
In this blog, we’ll bust some of the most common myths around interpretations and translations.
Myth 1: Interpretation and Translation Are the Same Thing
Let’s start with perhaps the biggest misunderstanding of all: thinking interpretation and translation are interchangeable terms.
The Truth:
They are two different services entirely.
Interpretation = refers to converting spoken words from one language to another
Translation = deals with written text.
Imagine this:
- You’re at a hospital and need help understanding a doctor — you need an interpreter.
- You’ve received an official letter from your local council and don’t understand it — you need a translator.
Myth 2: Anyone Who Is Bilingual Can Interpret or Translate
This one comes up a lot, and it’s easy to understand why. People often assume that speaking two languages automatically qualifies someone to provide professional language services.
The Truth:
Being bilingual is just the starting point. Professional interpretations and translations require more than just fluency, they demand specialist training, cultural knowledge, and familiarity with the settings in which the work happens.
For example, a bilingual family member may help with casual conversations. But in a legal setting, one wrong word from an untrained person could completely change the meaning of a statement, with serious consequences.
Professional interpreters and translators are trained to:
- Stay neutral
- Handle sensitive information
- Use appropriate terminology
- Work under pressure (especially interpreters)
So, while bilingual speakers are valuable, not all are equipped for professional-level language services.
Myth 3: Using Friends or Family to Interpret Is Good Enough
While it might seem convenient or even comforting to use a friend or family member as an interpreter, this can be risky, especially in formal or sensitive settings.
The Truth:
There are several reasons why using untrained individuals for interpretations is discouraged:
- Confidentiality: Professional interpreters follow strict codes of ethics, while family members may unintentionally share private information.
- Accuracy: A loved one may soften or skip difficult information to protect you.
- Pressure: Children or spouses might feel uncomfortable discussing personal issues on your behalf.
Public services in the UK are increasingly aware of these risks and often insist on using qualified interpreters to protect everyone involved.
Myth 4: Translation Is Just Swapping Words From One Language to Another
Many people believe that translations are simple word-for-word conversions — like plugging text into a free online tool.
The Truth:
Language is more than just words. It carries tone, culture, meaning, and context. A direct translation often doesn’t make sense, or worse, changes the meaning entirely.
Take this sentence:
“He kicked the bucket.”
A literal translation into another language might make no sense unless the translator knows it’s an English idiom meaning “he died.”
Good translations require:
- Contextual understanding
- Sensitivity to cultural nuances
- The ability to adapt language for different audiences
Professional translators also consider the tone and purpose of a document — whether it’s a legal report, an educational leaflet or a community newsletter.
Myth 5: Machines and Apps Can Replace Human Translators
In the age of Google Translate and language apps, it’s tempting to believe that technology has replaced human professionals.
The Truth:
While machine translation has come a long way, it still has limits — especially with nuance, tone, idioms or culturally specific language.
Let’s test this idea:
Translate “I’m fed up” into another language using an app. You might get something like “I am full” — which is not the same at all!
For informal phrases or general directions, apps might be helpful. But for legal contracts, mental health discussions, or official correspondence? There’s no substitute for a qualified translator or interpreter.
Machine tools can assist professionals, but they can’t replace the human understanding of context and emotion.
Why These Myths Matter
These myths aren’t just harmless misunderstandings. They can lead to:
- Miscommunication
- Mistrust of professionals
- Poor access to essential services
For instance, if someone avoids using a professional interpreter in a medical setting because they believe it's unnecessary, they may misunderstand crucial information about their health.
By understanding the truth behind these interpretation and translation myths, communities can access services more confidently and effectively.
Unsure Whether You Should Use Language Services?
Language services are about more than just speaking two languages.
They’re about building bridges, with care, respect, and understanding.
Whether it’s a community member needing help at a council office, or a parent attending a school meeting, professional interpretations and translations ensure that no one is left out of the conversation.
If you’ve ever wondered whether to request an interpreter or translator, or hesitated because of one of these common misconceptions, we hope this blog has helped clarify the myths vs truth of language support services.
At Vandu, we specialise in community interpreting, bilingual advocacy, and culturally sensitive translating services. We work closely with local authorities, healthcare providers, and community organisations to ensure language is never a barrier to accessing rights or support. Our interpreters and translators don’t just know the words—they know the people, the context, and the community realities.
Essential features of Vandu:
- People-first approach to every interaction
- Cultural understanding embedded into all services
- Ethical and trauma-informed practices in sensitive settings
- Support for underrepresented and minoritised languages
Further Information and Resources
- To know more about Vandu Languages, please visit our website at www.vandu.co.uk.
- For booking interpreters, you can email us at info@vandu.co.uk or call us at (+44) 01273473986.
- For requesting translations, please email translations@vandu.co.uk.
- For more information about Vandu Training, please visit our website at www.vandutraining.com. Beyond our training and courses, we also offer EDI consultancy for teams and organisational leaders. You can contact Vandu Training via email at training@vandu.co.uk.
