Translation and Interpretation are two closely related professions in the linguistics field. However, there are more differences than similarities.
Differences Between Translation and Interpretation | |||
TRANSLATION | INTERPRETATION | ||
Format | Text based; interpretes written content. | Translates orally spoken language in real-time. | |
Delivery | Happens after source text is created over a period of time with extensive access to external resources. | On the spot interaction during a live scenario (i.e. in person, over the phone, or via video). | |
Accuracy | Have time to review and edit for accuracy. | Requires a lower level of accuracy; focuses more on paraphrasing the content that the speaker is trying to convey. | |
Direction | Typically work in one direction: only translate into their native mother tongue/language, in addition to their subject matter expertise. | Must be fluent in both the source and target language. | |
Intangibles | Figures of speech; matching tone, diction and rhythm; accounting for cultural nuances; untranslatable words; translating compound words. | Capturing tone, inflections, voice quality, and other unique elements of the spoken word and then conveying these verbal cues to the audience. |
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