Word-by-Word vs. The Whole Idea

As I’ve been moving forward in my quest to become an interpreter, there is one issue that keeps flitting around my head: Why is it so hard to stop thinking word-by-word? Wouldn’t it be easier to get the whole idea first and then start interpreting from there?

The answer is yes. Agustin always brings up the importance of completely understanding what we hear and making sure we get the whole concept. There is clearly only one good way to do it: hear the whole idea first and then interpret.

I frequently make the mistake of following what the speaker is…