Language interpretation involves facilitating communication between speakers of different languages by decoding and encoding the intended meaning in oral or sign-language communication.

There are several different types of interpretation, including simultaneous interpretation, consecutive interpretation, relay interpretation, and liaison interpretation or escorting. Simultaneous interpretation involves the interpreter quickly rendering the message from the source language to the target language in close proximity to the speaker, making it most useful in conferences. Consecutive interpretation involves the interpreter allowing the speaker to complete their message before rendering it in the target language, making it useful in court, job interviews, business presentations, and small group meetings. Relay interpretation is used when the source message has to be interpreted and rendered in more than one target language, while liaison interpretation or escorting involves an interpreter accompanying a person or delegation on a tour or visit and relaying what is spoken to one, between two, or among many people.

The goal of interpretation is to facilitate effective communication between individuals or groups who speak different languages, helping them to understand each other and convey their intended messages accurately and effectively. By providing interpretation services, organizations can facilitate global communication and foster understanding and cooperation between individuals and cultures.