6 Key Differences:Professional Translation vs. Interpretation

6 Key Differences:Professional Translation vs. Interpretation

文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Your Translator Is Not Your Interpreter

Professional translation and interpretation are closely linked and the terms are often used interchangeably. However despite the obvious similarities, these two disciplines are very different and it’s incredibly rare to see an individual who does both professionally. On the surface, the main difference is that translators work with the written word while interpreters deal with speech. Translators are fundamentally different from interpreters.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Here are 6 key differences between professional translation and interpretation:文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Translators focus on written content

First, let’s define both key terms:文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

• Translation: a written rendering of a foreign text’s meaning.
• Interpretation: an oral rendering of a foreign speech’s meaning.

Language is composed of written and oral components and each trade concentrates on one element respectively. Translators focus exclusively on written content and understanding cultural norms of related societies.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Translations aren’t immediate

When a translator begins to translate content, he or she will use professional translation software and a series of reference books before beginning a meticulous transference process. Translators use their knowledge and research to understand the target country’s cultural and linguistic nuances so they can write better translations. Naturally, this process takes significantly more time than an interpreter’s rendering, which occurs on the spot.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Translators don’t have to be fluent in their second language

Translators typically only translate into their native tongue and are not required to tap into a great wealth of vocabulary for an instant translation. Though they aren’t always conversationally fluent, translators can often write better than native speakers. Interpreters must have conversational fluency.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Translations demand greater accuracy

Think about your oral and written sentence structure. While you may be perfectly capable of writing a coherent sentence, your oral syntax is likely to be grammatically incorrect. However, effective spoken communication doesn’t require the same grammatical accuracy as effective written communication. The same principle applies to interpreters and translators.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Interpreters translate phrases and idioms between two languages instantly, which leaves a lot of room for inaccuracies. Conversely, translators have more time to analyze a text and research the best transference of meaning. As a result, translations tend to be much more accurate than interpretations.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Translators don’t do live events

If you’ve ever seen an international hearing, you may have noticed politicians wearing earpieces and professionals speaking rapidly. These people are interpreters, not translators. You’ll frequently find interpreters in conferences, business meetings, courtrooms and police stations. In these situations, interpreters are essential to successful communication in the moment.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Translation professionals don’t work at live events. Instead, you’ll find translators in quiet offices surrounded by reference books and professional translation technology. While translators won’t be “in the field” acting as a bridge of communication, their copy does act as an initial connection with broad audiences.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

When a company uses professional translation services to localize its website, the translator is facilitating a connection with the business and a new customer base.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Translators use a cultural knowledge base

While translators may use a dictionary to find appropriate terminology during the translation process, an interpreter is probably close to memorizing the dictionary. This quick knowledge of diction helps interpreters translate much more quickly.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Instead of studying vocabulary, translators are more likely to study the variations in dialect or the cultural implications of certain symbols. To write a quality translation that does the original work justice while catering to a target region, professionals must have a deep understanding of common cultural practices in the area.文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html

Though it may be easy to confuse the two, translations and interpretations are two very different disciplines. Whatever you do, don’t mistake your translator for your interpreter again!文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html 文章源自WordsLinker-https://www.WordsLinker.com/6-key-differences-of-professional-translation-n-interpretation.html