The main differences between a translator and an interpreter
15th September 2020
Translation and interpretation are often used interchangeably, but there are clear distinctions between these closely related linguistic disciplines. Knowing the difference is essential when choosing the service you need.
Translator vs Interpreter
A translator is a person who works with written text. An interpreter is someone who works with spoken words and translates orally. These two professions are rarely performed by the same person due to differences in skillsets, training and language knowledge required to deliver each of these services.
Translators work in one direction – they focus on converting a document from source to a target language. In many cases their target language is often their mother language. But to be able to complete the translation accurately, they need to be highly competent in the source language, subject matter and have a solid understanding of the language nuances and culture. Translators often use dictionaries and other reference materials to support their work and they can take hours to translate a single document. It’s important to remember that translation is not just replacing one word with another, it’s about creating a meaningful piece of content that conveys the meaning and context of the original document.
Interpreters need to be able to translate in both directions, on the spot. They have no time to use grammar books, dictionaries or other resources. As they are often required to work at speed, they need to have extraordinary listening capabilities, especially for simultaneous interpreting. Simultaneous interpreters have to process, memorise and translate words from the source language to the target language within seconds. According to the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC), an experienced interpreter will be expected to interpret up to 150 words a minute. On top of their listening abilities, interpreters are required to have strong public speaking skills, a good degree of self-confidence and an exceptional knowledge of both the target and source language. This ensures they can instantly transform ‘sayings’, idioms, colloquialisms and other cultural nuances in real time.
The differences between translation and interpretation
Apart from the format, written vs spoken translation, there are other differences that differentiate translators from interpreters.
These include:
- Delivery – interpreters work in real time, while translators work to deadlines.
- Direction – translators work in one direction, invariably into their mother tongue, while interpreters translate in both directions instantaneously.
- Accuracy – since interpretation happens in real time, it requires a relatively lower level of accuracy to translation.
Hopefully this article clarifies things for you and comes in handy next time your boss asks you to arrange that ‘real time translation’.
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