Do you need a translator or an interpreter? It all depends on your personal or business needs
Translation and interpretation are two linguistic fields that are often confused, or used as synonyms when in reality they aren’t.
Of course, there are some overlaps in the core skillset and knowledge base that translators and interpreters need to have. These include fantastic language skills and excellent cultural knowledge.
But there are other areas where they differ.
This post explains the difference between translation and interpretation in terms of the tasks of a translator or interpreter, as well as their tools, skills, and pricing systems. Hopefully this will help you understand which service you and your business require.
Translation or interpretation: the nitty-gritty
“The translator is the author’s accomplice.”
- Jorge Gonzalez Moore
A translator changes the written word from one language to another while conveying the original text’s meaning and cultural nuances. It can be in the form of information contained on websites, internal company manuals, or subtitles, to give a few examples.
A translator must also provide a translation that takes into account the language and culture of the target audience. In this regard, it is a very precise art.
Translation is not as immediate as interpretation: a translator may require several days or weeks to complete a translation task, depending on the project’s length.
“As an interpreter, you create nothing, for you are a mere sculpture.”
- Anxo Perez
An interpreter, on the other hand, translates language that is spoken, and they communicate it verbally.
This mainly takes place in a live setting, although you can opt for simultaneous interpretation (when the interpreter speaks at the same time as the original speaker) or consecutive interpretation (when the interpreter listens to the speaker and then repeats what they have said to the listener).
Unlike translation, interpretation is less exact. Interpreters tend to listen to the speaker and then condense or paraphrase what is said, rather than providing a word-for-word account.
Interpreters are called upon to offer their services at multilingual conferences, and in police or medical settings, as some examples.
What tools do translators and interpreters use?
To ensure a text is correctly translated, translators make full use of the tools available to them. These can include style guides, reference materials, dictionaries, and glossaries, among others.
Many translators and language service providers use computer-aided translation tools with in-built translation memories. This ensures consistency across projects for a single client and speeds up the translation process.
On the other hand, interpreters have no time to refer to dictionaries or reference materials. However, they may use these - in addition to guides provided by clients - in their preparation prior to the event.
Are different skills needed for translation and interpretation?
There are several skills that both translators and interpreters must possess. These include an excellent command of both working languages and an in-depth understanding of the subject matter.
In addition, they both must have first-rate cultural and linguistic knowledge and be an outstanding communicator. However, their formats of communication vary.
Given the written nature of their job, translators must have a perfect knowledge of grammar, syntax, and style.
They need to be expressive and eloquent such that the finished translation reads as though it were written by a native. As a result, the reader won’t realise it’s a translation.
Translators need to pay attention to every detail in the text and any underlying meanings the author had in mind when they originally wrote it.
They also require plenty of patience and quality research skills: sometimes it can take a good while to find the right word to fit the context.
Of course, clear writing skills are a must for any translator.
And they sometimes need to work with other translators on large projects, as well as proofreaders.
Interpreters need to understand spoken language impeccably and they must be capable of listening to what’s being said, process it, and then re-create it in the other language.
Given the conversational nature of interpretation, they need to summarise what’s said, all while using language that suits the culture and context of the person receiving their interpretation.
As they have no time to consult reference materials, interpreters need to be cool under pressure.
How are prices calculated for translation and interpretation?
Rates for either service will vary depending on the nature of your project, its complexity, and your language combinations, among other factors.
Translators usually charge per word of source text, although they may also charge by the page or hour. They may have a minimum charge as well, so bear that in mind if you have small projects.
Interpreters can charge per minute or per hour. If you require an interpreter for events of substantial duration, they may even charge for a half-day or a full day.
“It takes more than having two hands to be a good pianist. It takes more than knowing two languages to be a good translator or interpreter”
- François Grosjean
So translation and interpretation are two different linguistic areas. Hopefully this post will have helped you to understand the variations between the two and clarified which one you need for your business project.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to get in touch about a translation, you can fill out the contact form found here.
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