Summary
As a business, you must communicate flawlessly with international audiences as a local business does. If you want your content to resonate in the native language of a market, you need translation, interpretation, and localization services.
Intercultural communication and linguistic cross-communication depend on translation and interpreting. Communication is essential in a world where interpreters and translators are often required to get the job done.
It is incorrect to use translation as a synonym for interpretation. The difference between translation and interpretation is evident once we consider the way the words were created. How do you choose which is appropriate?
Difference Between Translation and Interpretation (Definitions)
Translators translate written words, while interpreters translate spoken languages. In general, there are two main differences between interpretation and translation: each service is conducted via a different medium and has different qualifications.
The ability to communicate clearly and effectively requires a deep understanding of culture and language, expertise in subject matter, and a deep understanding of the underlying theory.
In spite of their often interchangeable use, understanding the differences between these closely related areas of linguistics is critical when deciding on which service to hire.
What is Translation?
Translating involves turning written content into another language. It uses a wider range of computer-aided tools than interpretation, which is one of the biggest differences between these two professions.
To facilitate the translation process and quickly fill in the gaps, translators can make use of software like translation memory and term base.
In addition to reading and referring to the text, they can look at parallel texts to ensure that their translations are accurate.
One difference between translation and interpretation is that translators work with written materials, such as print materials or websites.
A translation is a process of carrying something across or bringing something across. There are many ways to learn languages like reading books, play quiz games and watch specific language movies.
Translate from one language (or native language) into another as if you were bringing a text from another! Translating something into a target language is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as changing something written or spoken.
In general, people have no problem understanding the scope of the translator’s work since the original and modern definitions of translation are so similar.
What is Interpretation?
This approach emphasizes the paraphrase of the speaker’s content rather than the interpretation of the speaker’s meaning. In interpretation, a message is translated into a foreign language.
Interpreters can translate conferences, appointments, meetings, and even live TV. Due to the fact that interpretation takes place in real time, a person with excellent communication skills needs to be able to work under pressure.
However, interpretation can have a variety of meanings depending on the context. In other words, what is interpretation? Generally, it is an explanation or understanding of something that explains or understood in a particular manner.
Language service providers intend to convey a meaning quite different from what its Latin origins suggest. Interpretation means “to explain, expounded, or understood.” This term is closely related to another Latin word, interprets – agent or translator.
The act of interpreting goes beyond simply explaining the spoken word in the native language of the speaker. Basically, translation services involve paraphrasing a text into the target language. ISO’s definition of interpreting combines the way the word originated with a modern interpretation.
We can give a concise definition of interpretation by saying that it is a process for transferring information from a source language into a target language through spoken or signed communication.
When an interpreter conveys the source language’s content, both the register and meaning should be conveyed. Now the difference between translation and interpretation is clarify. Now move to discuss the types of both.
Types of Translation
There are 12 types of translation but in this guide we discuss only 8 types.
1. Legal Translation
The use of proper terminology, specific styles, and correct grammar are crucial. Translations must be accurate, unemotional, and unambiguous.
A contract, a business agreement, legislation, an employment contract, an acquisition contract, etc.
2. Technical Translation
It is imperative to translate the text accurately and faithfully.
There are many types of documents including patents, booklets, manuals, guides, technical standards, etc.
3. Medical Translation
For use in the target country, it is necessary to be clear and accurate, as well as compliant with local laws.
There are various documents, such as medical reports, clinical trials, and medications, as well as manuals for medical equipment, etc.
4. Financial Translation
Numbers matter a great deal in translating.
Financial statements, auditors’ reports, bank records, invoices, etc.
5. Website/Software Localization
Instead of focusing on the target language, localization focuses on the target country. There are often predefined text length limits for translators, and translators must adapt the text to local conventions.
The documentation includes software, mobile apps, websites, documentation, and user guides.
6. Marketing Translation
Translations should be carefully adapt to the target audience and be creative. These documents include presentations, brochures, leaflets, slogans, newsletters, and social media communications.
7. Certified Translation
In the government and state administration, translations are use primarily for communications. Birth certificates, marriages, criminal records, diplomas, certificates, contracts, judgments, etc.
8. Literary Translation
Identify appropriate cultural nuances, humor, feelings, emotions, and literary style of the author. There are many types of documents: novels, stories, poems, plays, and verses.
Types of Interpretation
There are almost 8 types of interpretation but below are the 2 main types.
1. Simultaneous Interpreting
Alternatively, it is sometimes referred to as live interpreting. Translation occurs almost immediately when spoken words translate from one language into another. It requires specialized equipment.
2. Consecutive Interpreting
Gradual interpretation is another name for it. The spoken word is translate in parts or sentences into the target language. Different types are suitable for different situations.
A continuous interpreter is often needs for lectures, seminars, audits, press conferences, or business meetings. Various types of events benefit from simultaneous interpretation, including conferences, congresses, state visits, and public lectures.
Examples of Translation vs Interpreting
The following example illustrates the difference between translation and interpretation. The manufacturer of a particular product may hire translators to translate the user guide and instruction manual into multiple languages, for instance, German, Korean, and French.
Interpreters will assist callers from those languages if they need to discuss the products in their native language in the customer service center. Pharmaceutical companies may hire translation services to translate marketing materials into Spanish. Customers calling a call center in English will require an interpreter.
Hey my name is Logan Jackson and I’m the founder of The Different Languages blog. I have years of experience in digital marketing and in content writing as well.