Quite often, are there misconceptions between translation and interpretation. In fact, many come from the fact that people just don’t know exactly what the translation and interpretation processes consist of. The two are very different, yet very similar as well. Both involve taking a message in one language and accurately rendering it in another language as a way to assist communication between two parties. However, they are still very different and too often do people use the terms interchangeably, which only increases the confusion.
Interpretation
First off, interpretation is spoken, but it is not a word-for-word translation of a spoken message. It enables real-time cross-linguistic communication either face-to-face, in a conference setting or over the phone. Essentially, this is the process where a person repeats what is said out loud in a different language.
The process of interpreting consists of the interpreter listening to a speaker in one language, grasps the content of what is being said, and then paraphrases his or her understanding of the meaning into the target language. Interpreters work on projects involving live translation: conferences and meetings, medical appointments, legal proceedings or live TV coverage.
Specifically in the healthcare field is interpreting found the most. Quite often do doctors come across patients who speak a different language then them, which is where VRI (or video remote interpreting) come in handy.
Translation
Unlike interpretation, translation is written. It is rendering text from a source language into a target language while preserving meaning. Translators are given any type of document, and from there, render that material clearly and accurately into the target language.
A good translator must have the ability to write well and understand the culture of the target language. They often use a good library of dictionaries and reference materials, to render material clearly and accurately into the target language. Translators work on any information in written form: websites, print or video subtitles.
Boostlingo And Smartcat Partnership
The main difference between the two is the way the information is presented. Many people think that if you can do one, you can do the other. Which is entirely untrue. Translators are not trained to translate orally, and interpreters are not trained to render information onto paper. Interpreters also work in real time, while translators receive a document after it has been written.
Speaking of which, Boostlingo and Smartcat last year announced their partnership to help language service companies and organizations work more effectively between the two domains of translation and interpretation services. The two top cloud-based language platforms plan to team up to integrate and market their services and solutions for collaboration.
Nonetheless, translation and interpretation are both ways of presenting something in a different language, just in different ways. Both interpreting and translation require someone who has a certain love of language and deep knowledge of more than one language.
