Translators Versus Interpreters- A Translation Services Provider’s Perspective

The broader explanation of the translators versus interpreters is as follows:

A translator is a person specially trained to convert written text from one language to another.

An interpreter is a person specially trained to convert oral messages from one language to another.

A more in-depth explanation of Translators versus Interpreters

Translation normally refers to written materials, i.e., going from one written medium to another. Interpretation is a spontaneous oral translation, from spoken word to spoken word.  At times, the term translation is used to mean either one.

There are hybrid situations: when you read a text in one language while reciting it aloud in another, you are said to be sight translating. Court interpreters often sight translate legal documents like plea agreements in court.

When you listen to a tape-recorded conversation in one language, write down what you hear, and then translate it, you are transcribing and translating. Taping conversations is a frequently used investigated technique. U.S law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities often call on translators to transcribe and translate those conversations when they are in a language other than English.

Interpreters and translators are both key players in the global language services industry.  There is a high demand for both interpreters and translators.  In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,” Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 19 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Globalization and large increases in the number of non-English-speaking people in the United States will drive employment growth.”

While it’s true that interpretation and translation both involve processing one language into another, however, the required skill sets are completely different for each profession.  Also, the preparation and performance of the task are different for each profession.

How they both perform their jobs? 

Translators have time to get things exactly right. They are able to continuously review their translated text and adapt it into the written target language using the translator’s subject matter expertise, references (style guides, glossaries, etc.) and translation software to ensure a flawlessly written translation that is an accurate rendering of the Originaltext’smessage.

On the other hand, interpreters must work much more quickly. Interpretation is a complex task, and as the translator, the qualifications of the interpreters are vital to the successful outcome of an assignment.  Interpreting can be done either simultaneously or consecutively, in person, via video link or over the phone, but the oral interpretation is much more immediate than a translation.

Simultaneous Interpreting (UN style) or Conference Interpreting is the interpretation of words as the words are being spoken. Highly qualified interpreters work in soundproof booths, providing simultaneous interpretation. Conference participants use state-of-the-art wireless headsets to hear the interpretation in their native language. Simultaneous interpreting is most appropriate for large, multilingual events.

Consecutive interpreting is performed in segments of discourse after every few sentences of speech. It is usually used in a one-on-one situation. Interpretation equipment is typically not used for this type of interpretation. Consecutive interpreting is best used for outings, negotiations, site visits, travel, medical examinations, seminars, depositions, and trial.

Work Conditions

Translators work remotely on a computer, often figuring out the correct word choices and context of the content. They must be native speakers of the target language with subject matter expertise (technical, legal, financial, medical) of the content.  They must understand the target audience of the translated content and culturally adapt the translation to that target audience. They will typically have a strong understanding of the subject matter and work to create a flawless final translation that is accurate to the original text, but reads like it was originally produced in the country of the target audience.

Interpreters work at the location of the assignment.  Their work on a personal level, since they have direct contact with the client and the target audience- interpreters deals directly with people.   Some examples where the interpreter’s work is personal:

• In a hospital setting the relay medical information to a patient on behalf of a doctor;
• In a legal setting, they interpret a court verdict to a client;
•  At a business meeting, they may need to interpret the outcome of a global business deal;
• On the battlefield, interpreters are providing life and death information to army platoons.

The list goes on and on, but it is evident that training and skill-sets are critical for both professions.

Written Versus Verbal 

A Translator’s focus is on perfect grammar, smart word choices, and native idioms that are culturally appropriate to the target audience.  In the art of translation, a great deal of time is spent on researching the nuance and meaning of the text.  The translator will make sure they’ve got the translation right with the help of translation memory, style guides and terminology databases, etc..

In contrast, the interpreter, who must focus on the immediate oral (verbal) translation from one language into another. A professional interpreter will research terminologies, subject matter, and idioms prior to the assignment beforehand, but while they are interpreting, they have limited tools to rely upon except for his/her own training and skill-set.  Additionally, they must have exceptional listening, retention and public speaking skills. They still need to be able to deal with nuance, but in interpreting, the work can also include handling a difference in tone or inflection that changes the meaning of the spoken word.

What are the similarities of Translator Versus Interpreter?

Although the mode of delivering their work differs in written versus verbal, the work of professional interpreters and translators are both guided by codes of ethics. There are several interpreters and translators’ associations that have a member code of ethics:

National Code of Ethics for Healthcare Interpreters 

American Translators Association (ATA)

National Association of Judicial Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT)

While many may use the terms translator and interpreter interchangeably and may mistakenly perceive that they are one and the same, but as it’s been noted above different specialized skills are needed for both professions to achieve effective communication between people who use different languages. Translators and Interpreters are professions essential to our global economy.