The Difference between Interpreting and Translating
Interpreters and Translators are highly skilled and must attain qualifications to become accredited and it is necessary for them to keep updating their translating and interpreting skills throughout their careers. As there is a difference between interpreting and translating, linguists normally only offer services for either translating or interpreting. Both services are equally important and are in growing demand.
As the world becomes more connected in the 21st century it is important to ensure we can communicate effectively and not see language barriers as a barrier. Both interpreting and translation services are needed for personal and professional use in order to communicate effectively with people who speak different languages. For international businesses these services allow a trade to happen globally. Being able to provide contracts and documents to a business partner in their native language can result in better business relationships and more trade.
But how do you know which service you need and what is the difference between interpreting and translating?
These two terms are frequently confused and misunderstood.
These two terms are frequently confused and misunderstood. It is important to know the difference between interpreting and translating to ensure you get the right help to meet your translating and interpreting needs. Although they are closely related as they both involve language change, there is a key difference between interpreting and translating and that is the medium of the text.
But if they both translate one language into another how is interpreting different to translating? The difference is that translating has to do with written words whereas interpreting has to do with spoken words. Interpretation is normally done live whereas translating is done over a longer time period.
What is an Interpreter?
Interpreting is a verbal form of translating. Interpreters have a harder job than translators as they must be able to multitask. Interpreting requires a linguist to be able to listen to speech in one language whilst interpreting and relaying it into another language. Unlike translating, interpreting is normally done in real-time therefore interpreters have a lot more pressure than translators. Due to this, interpreters do not have access to any dictionaries and some other resources.
There are different types of interpreting but they all require the interpreter to understand a verbal speech and be able to accurately paraphrase and interpret the speech into the target language. Sometimes the interpreting is only in one direction but it is possible for interpreters to need to converse in both directions.
Interpreters must be very flexible and adaptable as they could be required to interpret speech in any location such as a small meeting e.g. interpreting in a medical appointment, or large event. In recent years remote interpreting has become more popular, this requires interpreters to be able to do interpreting services either over the phone or through video. Interpreters are also needed to assist members of the deaf community by providing British Sign Language interpretation services either face-to-face or BSL video interpreting.
Translation Localisation
Translation localisation is another service that translators can provide. It is an advanced translation and is completed by translators who are fluent in more than two languages. Translation is most commonly used for medical documents, user manuals, recipes, literature, legal documents, and housing papers. These documents need to be accurately translated but there are some documents that need the translation to be more appropriate for the local area. English is spoken in many countries around the world, but each area has its own dialects therefore localisation will ensure the text is translated using the correct terminology and grammar for that area.
Localisation is not just converting one language into another; the translator fully translates the emotion of the text and expresses its meaning by using terms and phrases which reflect the culture of the target language. Global companies may require website localization to ensure that their website does more than just make sense in every language but that it shows cultural understanding as well.
What is a Translator?
Translators are very skilled and often speak multiple languages. They translate written text from one language into another (normally their native language). Translations are normally done in an office away from the client which is less stressful and means translators have longer time periods to complete their work than interpreters. Translators also need time to ensure that the translation has accurate grammar and when translating legal documents the document must be fully accredited and certified. Another difference between interpreting and translating is that translators have access to resources such as reference books, translation technologies, and language dictionaries.
Translators must have excellent communication, writing skills, cultural awareness, technical expertise as well as common sense.
Our Interpreters and Translators
Now you know the difference between interpreting and translating you should know which service you require to meet your needs. It is important to use a qualified and accredited linguist rather than a friend or family member. Absolute Interpreting and Translations Ltd provide a range of translating and interpreting services and we have linguists who are specialized to different sectors to ensure we provide the highest quality service.
