Understanding Differences between Translation and Interpretation

Many businesses are looking for their global reach as a part of their expansion. To achieve the goal, they must know how to communicate with natives in other countries. For the best approach towards working with offshore clients, it is important to hire service of certified translation in Birmingham.

• Translation’ and ‘interpretation’ are often used interchangeably. Therefore, if someone enlists translation service and interpretation service separately, it creates confusion. The curious minds will ask: "What are the differences between these two?" I will address it in this blog post.

Let me get started by claiming that both services have certain similarities. Still, understanding the basic and subtle differences will help you determine which kind of service will meet your specific requirements.

How to Define Translation?

Translation refers to transforming content, written in a certain language (also called source language) to another language (also called target language). It is a process to ensure linguistically correct and culturally appropriate output. Whether working on legal document translation, medical transcription or research papers, translators should have expertise in the particular field, the target language and the required diction.

How to Define Interpretation?

Interpretation refers to the process of verbal communication intended to relay real-time messages between two parties who speak different languages. Interpreters usually work when someone is delivering a speech or immediately after the person has completed. Interpreters have the responsibility to convey information in real time while maintaining the speaker’s tone. It is a challenge on a different level, especially when delivering remote interpretation services.

What are the differences?

Because of little understanding of the differences between these two services, many people often think these are interchangeable. Below are certain distinctions between them:

Separate Formats and Mediums: The mode of communication is the most striking difference between these two services. Interpretation service is required for verbal communication. Hence, interpreters are excellent in oral communication. Professional interpretation service is conducted in any of three ways – in person, via video conferences or on the phone.

Whereas interpreters are required to convey messages in real time, translators have time to transform the content in a different language. Translators have in-depth knowledge about the dialects, cultural aspects and mechanics of both the source and the target languages.

Different Levels of Accuracy: Precision is a must for both translation and interpretation but only on different levels. Interpretation, which is done at a fast pace, does not require the high precision level, which is a must-have quality in translation. Though there is always room for improvement and excellence, the fast-paced interpretation throws a tough challenge in achieving complete accuracy in a live setting.

Translators, who have to complete their project within the specified timeframe, can stay more focussed on accuracy. Any translation service provider has a competent system in place to ensure the preciseness of the final outputs.

Amount of Time: Interpretation is a real-time service whereas translators have time to work on their projects. Interpreters have to comprehend and convey messages with no delay. Translators can make a good use of time and technology to achieve precise, top-notch result. However, on-demand translation service is required sometimes and it reduces the turnaround time for the work.