For your business to thrive internationally, you need to communicate with audiences around the world just as easily as the local businesses can. To ensure that your content makes a real impact in the native language of each market, you may need to use translation, localisation or interpretation services. How do you know which of these you need?
Main differences between translation and interpretation
Translating and interpreting are very different services. Translation involves written content. It requires great precision and involves long hours of work. Interpreting, on the other hand, deals with oral communication and takes place when that communication is happening. The focus is on facilitating understanding and communication, rather than being perfect.
The biggest difference between interpreting and translating lies in the way that each service is provided: interpretation transfers the spoken word into another language and translators do the same but with the written word. The two services require slightly different skills, but both require extensive knowledge of the language and culture, mastery of the subject matter and the ability to communicate clearly.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, understanding the differences between these two closely related linguistic fields is essential when choosing a service that meets your needs.
What is interpreting?
Interpretation is a real-time service. It is provided live, either while the speaker or presenter is speaking (simultaneous interpretation) or just after they have spoken (consecutive interpretation), without the aid of scripts, dictionaries or other reference materials.
Professional interpreters have to translate the message from the source language (the language to be translated) into the target language within a specific context. To do this, while retaining the original meaning, they must reformulate it using idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms and specific cultural references that allow the audience to understand it. The only resources an interpreter can rely on when providing their services are experience, a good memory and quick response times.
Interpreters focus on projects that involve working in real time: conferences and meetings, medical consultations and appointments, court proceedings, appearances on live television programmes and sign language.
What is translating?
Perhaps the biggest difference between interpretation and translation is that most professional translators use software tools to do their work. These tools allow them to convert the source content into a file type that is easy to work with (usually in RTF format). A translation memory is then used to automatically translate any fragments they have previously translated and the rest is translated from scratch.
While the translator is working on the text, they can refer to glossaries and translation style guides to ensure quality. Finally, another linguist will review the translation and the final written text is then converted back to the original format so that the translated document is as similar as possible to the original one.
Translation deals with all types of written information, such as websites, printed documents, video subtitles, software and multimedia content.
Five main differences between translation and interpretation
1. Format
Interpreting deals with the spoken language in real time, while translation involves working on texts.
2. Provision of the service
Interpretation is done on the spot. This service is provided in person, over the phone or via video. Translation, on the other hand, can take place long after the text in the source language has been produced. This gives translators the freedom to use software and reference materials to produce accurate, high-quality translations.
3. Accuracy in translation
Interpretation is not as faithful and exact as translation. Although interpreters strive for perfection, achieving this is a real challenge given the immediacy of the service. For example, they sometimes need to omit certain parts of the sentence or presentation in the target language. Translators again have the time factor on their side, since it allows them to review and modify the written text.
4. Direction
Interpreters must be completely fluent in both the source and target languages, as their job is to translate instantly in both directions (forward and reverse translations) without the help of reference materials. Professional translators, on the other hand, usually translate in only one direction: into their native language.
5. Intangible elements
The use of metaphors, analogies and idiomatic expressions that resonate with the target audience can be a challenge for both interpreters and translators. However, interpreters also have to capture the tone, inflections and quality of the voice, as well as other aspects of the spoken language, and then convey these verbal communication signs to the audience.
Now that you know the main differences between translating and interpreting, you can think about which service is right for your specific needs. Shall we talk?
