Difference Between Translator and Interpreter

There is a general misconception concerning a translator and interpreter. Many potential clients contact interpreters, saying they are looking for a professional translator, when in fact, they are looking for an interpreter.

The very similar nature of both translator and interpreter is enough to create that confusion, leading people to use both interchangeably. Let’s take a look at what they really are, how these two subjects of linguists are similar to each other and what are the differences between translator and interpreter.

Who Is an Interpreter?

Contrary to popular belief, interpretation isn’t the word-for-word translation of a spoken message. Instead, it’s all about paraphrasing and interpreters need to transpose the source language within the required context, preserving its original meaning but taking care to rephrase the idioms and other cultural-specific references in ways that is comprehensible to the target audience.

An interpreter needs to possess some skills such as the ability to deliver their message instantly (or simultaneously) with the original message, with no aid from dictionary or reference material. In a nutshell, an interpreter only resources are experiences and a good memory—and quick reflexes too.

Who Is a Translator?

Basically, a translator is required to work on information in a written form—be it websites, video subtitles, software or print. However, unlike interpreters, most translators use computer-aided tools (CATs) in their work. This refers to converting the source content into a file type that is easy to work with, applying a translation memory to the given text and filling in the required gaps.

As the translator works through each section of the text, he may need to refer to glossaries and style guides to ensure quality. After everything is done, the translator needs to pass the translation to another linguist to proofread and convert the document back to its original format for ensuring the closest possible match.

Read: Difference Between Translation and Transcription

Translator and Interpreter: the Similarities

Both the interpreters and translators are provided with a source and target language and both work only in their mother language. They both attract a message from the source language and convert it into a target language.

Despite the differences between the translator and interpreter, one thing that unites them together is the nature of their job—they are both linguists and therefore, both require professional qualifications in addition to their skills.

So Where Does the Difference Lie?

The translators and interpreters are distinct from each other but these are the main categories to distinguish them through the viewpoint of a project:

Accuracy and Precision:

When it comes to having ample time to achieve accuracy and precision, translators surely have it more than the interpreters. This means that unlike interpreters, they have enough time to consult glossaries, dictionaries and other reference materials before delivering the final results.

Interpreters, on the other hand, barely have time to process the original message thoroughly and need to interpret the original message instantly (simultaneously or immediately afterword).

Tools and Helping Material:

As mentioned previously, translators have the advantage of using computer-aided tools to assist them at the time of translation, not to mention the dictionaries, computers, glossaries and reference material that they have access to.

On the contrary, an interpreter may only use headphones, microphone or a notepad when interpreting. On the plus side, they take their vast knowledge and the memory stored in their brain to assist them.

Direction of Message:

An interpreter is required to be fluent in both source and target language as they have to interpret in both the directions instantaneously. A translator works in only one direction: his own. Considering that, he needs to translate source content into their mother tongue and are not required be have fluency in the source language.

Acumen and Skills:

Although both translators and interpreters are required to have the proficiency to make metaphors, analogies and idioms resonate with the target audience, an interpreter has a tougher job than the translator.

He is required to capture tone, voice quality, inflections and other cues of the verbal communication and interpret it to the audience correctly. A translator, having to work on the written text, does not have to go through that hassle.

Now that the differences between the translator and interpreter are clear, the question you should now be asking yourself is: “Is my business ready to explore the international horizons? Do I need to hire an interpreter or a translator to aid me with the process?” .Asking the right questions will open the way to getting your business ready for international audience.

Related Blogs

AI Transcription in Healthcare: Is That Impactful?

Artificial intelligence has taken a big space in almost every industry. There is also a widespread acceptance that AI is

Why is Translation Important for the Defense Industry?

In today's world, global defense and security are characterized by an intricate web of interconnected challenges and high-stakes scenarios. Today,

Top Compliance Considerations for Medical Translations

The healthcare and medical field is one of the most rapidly advancing fields, thanks to new researches and medical breakthroughs

AI with Human Quality Control (QC): Impact on Translation

The long and tiring debate between AI translations and human translators still stands. When it comes to speed and efficiency,

Translators will have the chance to get Man Booker prize from 2024

The world's most famous international literary prize has for the first time now, opened up to translations. The Booker Prize Foundation

5 Business Trends That Will Continue to Rise in 2024

What Makes the Business Boom at the End of the Year? Lots of factors come to mind like stock exchange, marketing

Paris Olympics 2024: Culture, Language and Sports

From 26 July 2024 to 11 August 2024, Paris will remain lit to commence the show of skill and bravery,

How Was 2023 for E-commerce Sector in China?

With the advancement in technology and digitization influencing the business sector globally in 2019, some of the countries emerged as

Mother's Day: Things to Do to Show Your Love with Mom

To be a mother means to become more than just someone who bears children. She is the backbone and silent

Difference Between Translator and Interpreter

Who Is an Interpreter?

Who Is a Translator?

Translator and Interpreter: the Similarities

So Where Does the Difference Lie?

Related Blogs

Follow Us

Our Services

Our Solutions

Resources

Support