Is an interpreter the same as a translator?
The goal of both is the same, but the methods of providing results are completely different.
The main difference between a translator and an interpreter is that a translator converts thoughts from one language to another in a written form, while interpreters have to do it verbally (orally) and explain it to another party who does not understand the language of the first party.
A translator has time to search for the appropriate word or phrase; an interpreter needs the ability to ‘keep going’ even after making a slip. Both need a good knowledge of the relevant languages. Beyond that, personality is most important for an interpreter. A perfectionist doesn’t usually make a good interpreter.
