Often, the terms translation and interpretation are used interchangeably, but they are different. Translation refers to the practice of translating written documents, while interpretation is the practice of translating spoken language. Both translation and interpretation are broad fields that span many different industries. In today’s article, we will discuss the differences between translation and interpretation and common uses for each.
Both translation and interpretation require a skilled professional. Being bilingual does not automatically qualify someone to be a translator or interpreter. Translators and interpreters spend years perfecting their skills, as both translation and interpretation can be high-stakes fields. For example, a certified court interpreter must provide an accurate translation to avoid any legal problems for either the defendant or the plaintiff. Similarly, a certified translation that is used for an immigration process or a court of law must be accurate to avoid any issues.
The main difference between translation and interpretation is the medium they use. Interpreters work with spoken language and as such, they normally do not have as much time to think or perfect their translation. A written translation can undergo several rounds of proofreading before delivery.
The two main types of interpretation are consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation. Consecutive interpretation is where the speaker says a few sentences and then pauses for the interpreter to interpret what was just said. Simultaneous interpretation is when the interpreter must interpret at the same time as the speaker. This normally involves a sound booth where the interpreter speaks into a microphone that is transmitted via headphones to listeners. Interpreting requires a tremendous amount of energy and mental focus, and therefore, usually more than one interpreter is required in order to allow for pauses and ensure quality for long assignments.
Translation spans many different sectors, including legal translation, financial translation, marketing translation and more. The translation process involves conveying an idea in one language into another, in a way that is understandable to the target audience. This often involves many hours of editing and research to ensure the translation is culturally competent, grammatically correct and accurate. In the case of Spanish language, there are many countries around the world that speak Spanish, and each one has its own particularities and differences, which must be observed when translating a document.