Often confused for one another, translation and interpretation are two different services revolving around different modes of communication. To understand what is meant by each of them, let’s dive in.

Translation

Translation is the process of rendering text from a base language (source) into the target language while keeping the meaning intact. The translated works are written, the words we see in a document.

While linguistic and cultural skills are critical, the most important quality a good translator must have is the ability to write well in the target language. Skilled translators must have the ability to understand the source language and the culture of the country where the text originated, then use a good library of dictionaries and reference materials to render that material clearly and accurately into the target language.

The written word is the key point here, as it separates the activity of translation from interpretation. Since translation is expressed in the mode of writing, an important skill a translator must possess is mastery over the second language (target). The best translators in the world can understand the original text, then find the most relevant words to describe the meaning in the target language efficiently.

When choosing a translator, it is crucial to insist that the translator only translates into their native language and in an area of their subject matter expertise.

As a side note, it is always recommended that the translator who is translating the work should do it in a language they are comfortable with, enough to be able to grab all the little intricacies and nuances.

Interpretation

So, what is interpretation? While interpretation also has its function in the communication sphere, it takes the oral form of its translation. This happens in the form of either face-to-face communication, or over the phone, or in a conference. Generally, this is used to describe those who speak their translation out loud.
While translation requires the words to be as accurate as possible, interpretation allows for a freer workflow. The interpreter first receives the dialogue, understands it, then only needs to paraphrase it to communicate the idea of the words spoken to him in the target language.

A sign of a good interpreter is their ability to translate multiple dictions without any break. Many professionals are able to convey an originally broken thought as clearly as possible. This, of course, requires years and years of work and experience in the field.

To generalise, it is evident that both professions require a massive level of dedication and expertise. Their processes go beyond simply translating a word to another in a different language. Both translators and interpreters must be able to understand the diction, tone, style, and syntax while understanding the words from the original language. Irrespective of their method of delivering the information, both professions share a common ground during the first stage.

At the end of it all, interpreters and translators are of vital need in this age of multilingual communication.

Originally posted at: https://www.sylaba.com.au/what-is-the-difference-between-translation-and-interpretation-services/