What is the difference between interpretation and translation?
Translation normally refers to written materials, i.e, going from one written medium to another. Interpretation is spontaneous oral translation, from spoken word to spoken word. Sometimes the term translation is used to mean either one. There are hybrid situations: when you read a text in one language while reciting it aloud in another, you are said to be sight-translating. Court interpreters often sight-translate legal documents like plea agreements. When you listen to a tape recorded conversation in one language, write down what you hear, then translate it, you are transcribing and translating (known in the trade as doing tapes). Taping conversations is a frequently used investigative technique. U.S law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities often call on translators to transcribe and translate those conversations when they are in a language other than English.
Interpretation deals with oral speech and translation deals with written text. Interpreters convey meaning orally from one language to another, while translators convey meaning from one language to another in written form. Sometimes the term translation is used loosely to refer to either interpretation or translation. But because the skills are different, they are not interchangeable. Interpreters and translators both work with language, but their training and work experience may vary greatly.
Interpretation involves oral speech and translation involves with written text. Interpreters express meaning orally from one language to another, while translators express meaning from one language to another in written form. The term translation is used loosely to refer to either interpretation or translation. Since the skills are different, they are not interchangeable. Interpreters and translators both work with language, but their training and work experience may vary greatly. top…
