Explain what "dynamic equivalence" means in interpreting.

Dynamic equivalence in interpreting refers to the approach of focusing on the intended meaning of the source message rather than providing a word-for-word translation. This concept emphasizes the importance of conveying the overall message, context, and emotional content, ensuring that the interpretation resonates with the target audience as it would with the original audience.

This means that an interpreter using dynamic equivalence considers factors such as cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and the overall context of the conversation to create an interpretation that feels natural and understandable to the listeners. The goal is to achieve a communicative effect that aligns with the intentions of the speaker, rather than simply replicating the original phrases verbatim.

This approach contrasts with a more literal translation that might miss the subtleties of meaning or emotional tone, which can lead to misunderstandings or a lack of engagement from the audience. By prioritizing intent and context, dynamic equivalence allows for a more effective and meaningful communication process, which is essential in interpreting scenarios.