What is the difference between translation and interpreting?

Translation deals with the written word, while interpreting deals with the spoken word. Documents, web sites, contracts and patents are translated, while interpreting is provided in support of international conferences (such as at the UN) or in international meetings attended by people from many nations, where the attendees wear headphones or earpieces through which interpretation is provided by professional interpreters.

Does translation software work? Can I use it for my business? Do you sell it?

Translation software is not designed to replace professional translators. It will not produce a document that is accurate, or one that represents you or your business well. The software is really designed to give you an "idea" of what a document is about — a process called gisting. For example, the paragraph explaining translation and interpreting above, run through a popular translation software program, produced this: The translation deals with the written word, when explained deals with the speech the word. The document, the website, the contract and the patent are translated, when explained is provided the support international conference (for example in the United Nations.) Either attended in the international conference wore the earphone or the receiver by the person from the attendee explained provided many countries by the specialized interpreter. The Wall Street Journal has declared, "These services are passable for travelers or for those wanting to translate a letter from a distant cousin. I definitely wouldn't use them for business or anything that remotely requires accuracy." Cosmos multilingual does not sell translation software.

Why do most Fortune 500 companies use professional translation services?

Globalization has caused an explosion in the demand for reliable translation services. Major companies that compete for market share in international markets have learned that translating their products into local languages is essential to competitiveness. Moreover, the EU has mandated that products sold in the European member nations must be accompanied by translations in the local languages. Most large companies outsource this requirement to specialized translation companies like Cosmos multilingual, which has nearly 20 years experience advising such companies on their language requirements, while also providing a comprehensive range of professional language services to meet these requirements.

What is "localization?"

Localization is the process of creating a product like a software application, a web site or a video game, so that the product is entirely "at home" in the target country. Localization includes language translation but goes beyond it, to include, for example, the conversion of formats, standards, layouts and designs as well as the use of customized colors, slogans and other components that influence the "feel" of the product. Cosmos multilingual provides localization services to its clients in over 140 languages.

What is the difference between "simultaneous," "consecutive," and "escort" interpreting?

Simultaneous interpreting, as the name would suggest, occurs in close time proximity to the speech of the original speaker. It is provided continuously and in a smooth and consistent flow. Simultaneous interpreting, also sometimes referred to as conference interpreting, requires specialized equipment (headsets or earpieces for the audience) as well as control units and soundproof booths for the interpreters. This is the form of interpreting used at the UN and most international organizations as well as most major international conferences and business meetings. Consecutive interpreting is where the original speaker and the interpreter intersperse their speaking times. In other words, the original speaker will speak for a few minutes, stop talking and wait while the interpreter conveys an interpretation in another language, after which the original speaker continues. Consecutive interpreting is suitable for short presentations or business meetings, but because of the fact that everything is said twice (once in each language, alternating in time) it doubles the length of any event, which makes it less than ideal for major conferences or meetings held in more than one foreign language.

Escort interpreting is a form of spoken language support for tours, visits or travel where individuals require ongoing spoken language support, usually in a single language.

Why is professional simultaneous interpreting the standard at the UN and the EU?
Why is this form of interpreting

Why is professional simultaneous interpreting the standard at the UN and the EU?

Why is this form of interpreting recognized as the standard for international meetings worldwide?

Simultaneous or conference interpreting is the only interpreting format that supports multiple languages, is efficient in its use of time and is unobtrusive to the ongoing proceedings. This is why this format has become the standard not only for international organizations but also for international business conferences, training sessions, meetings and other venues where multilingual language support is required. Cosmos multilingual provides a full range of interpretation services in all formats, including the ability to provide comprehensive equipment and booth designs and configurations, as well as technical support for equipment setup, operation and break-down. Click here to learn more about Cosmos multilingual interpreting capabilities.