Although both terms are used to express the same end product, there is indeed a difference between translation and interpretation.
A translation is the transfer of written text from one language into another such as Spanish into Dutch.
On the other side is interpretation, which is the translation of verbal language that usually happens in real time.
In both cases proficiency in both languages and some cultural background knowledge are very useful to do a quality job. Otherwise text may be “Lost in Translation” (movie reference 🙂 )
Other differences between translation and interpretation
Translation
- Time to complete translation
- Access to resources (dictionaries, glossaries, software, etc.)
- Accurate transfer of content, maintaining original meaning of source text.
- Consideration of grammar rules and idioms in both languages.
Interpretation
- Immediate translation of verbal information doesn’t leave much time to process.
- Only resource available at that time may be the the interpreter’s knowledge and technical equipment.
- Contrary to what people think, interpretation is not a word-by-word rendition of the original. Such translation would not make much sense (happens often with machine translation tools).
- Expectation for accuracy is different in interpretation, where meaning and tone into target language are the focus.
The two types for interpretation are: consecutive (after speaker completes sentence) and simultaneous (almost at the same time of speaker). In both cases part of the original text may be omitted to keep up with the speed of speaker, as long as the context is not lost.
Some translation lingo
As you may have guessed (or maybe not), the original text is called the source text (or language) and the language into which we translate or interpret is the target language.
Besides dictionaries, translators often use computers in their translation projects, such as MT or CAT tools, stand-alone or web based software.
MT or Machine Translation tools assist in quickly, but almost literally translating text. As mentioned above, such translations very often make little sense and are not reliable. MT may be okay if all you need is a general idea of what the original text means.
CAT or Computer Assisted Translation tools are helpful to quickly translate text by using built-in dictionaries or glossaries. It’s faster than using a manual dictionary 🙂
Be confused no more
Now that you know what the difference is between translation and interpretation, I bet you will notice the difference, when someone says they’re looking for a translator when they ‘re really looking for an interpreter.
The term “translation” is commonly used for both type of services, but unless someone is in need of either, it doesn’t make much difference to the user.
As a professional language service provider, I chose to do translations because I learned to focus on my strengths. Translations are my forte and I will not rest until I can deliver an assignment that is accurate and as close in meaning as the source text. It’s the only way I know to deliver quality to my customers.
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