Interpretation is the process of orally conveying the meaning of spoken or signed communication from one language into another in real time. Unlike translation, which deals with written texts, interpretation focuses on spoken language and requires the interpreter to listen, understand, analyze, and reproduce the message accurately, preserving its meaning, tone, style, and intent. The interpreter acts as a linguistic and cultural bridge, enabling communication between individuals or groups who do not share a common language. The Russian phrase "Что такое устный перевод?" literally means "What is interpretation?" or "What is oral translation?", emphasizing the oral nature of the activity. Interpretation is not merely the substitution of words from one language to another. It involves comprehending the speaker's message, identifying the intended meaning, and expressing it naturally and appropriately in the target language. The interpreter must also consider cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, emotions, humor, and contextual factors to ensure that communication remains effective and faithful to the original message. Interpretation requires a unique combination of linguistic competence, cognitive ability, subject knowledge, and communication skills. Interpreters must possess excellent