Scribd
Upload
16 views2 pages

Interpretation vs. Translation

Interpretation and translation differ primarily in medium and execution; interpretation involves real-time oral translation, while translation focuses on written text. Interpreters work live without reference materials, requiring quick thinking and cultural understanding, whereas translators utilize tools and resources for accuracy and quality in written documents. Key distinctions include format, delivery timing, accuracy levels, language direction, and the handling of cultural nuances.

Uploaded by

quynhnguyenthinhu13
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
16 views2 pages

Interpretation vs. Translation

Interpretation and translation differ primarily in medium and execution; interpretation involves real-time oral translation, while translation focuses on written text. Interpreters work live without reference materials, requiring quick thinking and cultural understanding, whereas translators utilize tools and resources for accuracy and quality in written documents. Key distinctions include format, delivery timing, accuracy levels, language direction, and the handling of cultural nuances.

Uploaded by

quynhnguyenthinhu13
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Interpretation vs.

Translation

The key differences between interpretation and translation are found in each
service's medium and skill set: interpreters translate spoken language orally, while
translators translate the written word. Both require deep cultural and linguistic
understanding, expert knowledge of subject matter, and the ability to communicate
clearly.

While the terms are often cited interchangeably, understanding the distinctions
between these closely related linguistic fields is essential when choosing the service
you need.

Interpretation

Interpretation is a service that happens in the moment. It is delivered live--either in


unison with (simultaneous) or immediately after (consecutive) the original speech--
with no help from scripts, dictionaries, or other reference materials. Professional
interpreters need to transpose the source language (language to be translated) within
context, preserving its original meaning but rephrasing idioms, colloquialisms, and
other culturally-specific references in ways the target audience can understand. An
interpreter's only resources are experience, a good memory, and quick reflexes.

Interpreters work on projects involving live translation: Conferences and meetings,


medical appointments, legal proceedings, live TV coverage, sign language.

Translation

Perhaps the biggest difference between interpreters and translators, then, is that most
professional translators use computer-aided tools in their work. This involves
converting the source content into a file type that's easy to work with (typically RTF),
applying a translation memory (TM) to the text to automatically translate anything
the tool has translated before, and filling in the gaps from scratch. As the translator
goes through each section of text, they may refer to glossaries and translation style
guide templates to ensure quality. Finally, they'll pass the translation to another
linguist to proofread, then convert the final written document back into its original
format ensuring the closest possible match.

Translators work on any information in written form: Websites, print, video subtitles,
software, multimedia.
Which service do I need?

So the differences between interpreting and translating are vast. To sum up, here are
the five main distinctions to consider when determining which service is best suited
to a project.

5 major differences between interpretation and translation

1. Format

Interpretation handles spoken language in real-time, while translation services are


text-based.

2. Delivery

Interpretation takes place on the spot. The process can occur in person, over the
phone, or via video. Translation, on the other hand, can happen long after the source
text is created. This gives translators ample time to utilize technologies and reference
materials to generate accurate, high-quality translations.

3. Accuracy

Interpretation requires a somewhat lower level of accuracy to translation. Interpreters


aim for perfection, but it's challenging to achieve in a live setting--some of the
original speech may be left out of the target language, for example. Again, time is on
translators' side when reviewing and editing written text for accuracy.

4. Direction

Interpreters must be fluent in both the source and target language, as they're required
to translate in both directions instantaneously without the aid of reference materials.
Professional translators typically work in one direction: into their own mother
tongue.

5. Intangibles

Making metaphors, analogies, and idioms resonate with the target audience is a
challenge that both interpreters and translators face. On top of this, interpreters must
capture tone, inflections, voice quality, and other unique elements of the spoken word
and then convey these verbal cues to the audience.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy