With businesses going global, both translation and interpretation are high-demand linguistic disciplines. Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another while maintaining the structure and tone of the original material. The purpose is to ensure that people understand the translated content as if it were in the original language.
The services of translators and interpreters are required across various industries. They can either specialize in a particular field or have multiple specializations. Examples of interpreters and translators include community interpreters, conference interpreters, health translators, literary translators, and sign language interpreters.
Understanding the Role of Translators and Interpreters
Translation and interpretation are two linguistic services that are closely related. Yet, many people today are confused about the roles of a translator and an interpreter. In this article, we’ve highlighted the key differences between the two professions in the linguistic industry.
Difference Between a Translator and an Interpreter
1. Type of Content
Translators convert written concepts from one language into another. They work on written content such as websites, legal documents, video subtitles, and other print media. Besides, translators must have in-depth knowledge of the culture, current affairs, and history of the target audience.
Interpreters, on the other hand, translate spoken or sign language orally. They work on projects involving live translation, such as conferences, meetings, interviews, and legal proceedings.
2. Timing
The job of a translator is to translate written content long after the text is created. This gives them ample time to use professional software and reference books for accuracy and high-quality translation.
Have you ever seen an international conference where attendees wear earpieces, and professionals translate spoken content into their native language? Those professionals are interpreters. Interpreters must convert the original content at a much faster rate than translators. This process occurs in person, via video, or over the phone.
3. Accuracy
The role of a translator demands a higher level of accuracy than that of an interpreter. Translators have more time to analyze and edit the written material, ensuring the best and most accurate translated content.
Interpreters aim for precision, but achieving absolute accuracy in live events is challenging. Since they convert idioms and phrases instantly, there is a greater likelihood of grammatical mistakes.
4. Fluency
Translators only convert the original text into their native language and, therefore, are not required to be fluent in the source language.
Interpreters, however, must be fluent speakers of both the source and target languages, as they communicate instantly with people who do not share a common language. Additionally, interpreters must have excellent conversational fluency.
Wrapping It Up
Now that you understand the difference between translators and interpreters, you can choose the profession that best suits your skills and knowledge. No specific academic qualifications are required to become an interpreter or translator—proficiency in at least two languages is enough for a successful career in this field.
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