Have you ever wondered about the difference between interpreters and translators?
from time to time while working as an interpreter, I’ve been called a translator, and vice versa. Let me explain the difference between these two.
Translators: A translator primarily deals with written text. We receive a written document in one language (the source language) and translate it into another language (the target language). We focus on accuracy, and grammatical corrections to ensure the written content is faithfully and effectively conveyed in the target language.
Interpreters: Interpreters, on the other hand, interpret spoken language in real-time. where there is no opportunity for revision or editing. We must think quickly and be familiar with the jargon and the terminology on the subject matter. Our stage is real life, and our performances happen in the moment.
While translators can rely on tools like translation memory and machine translation to enhance efficiency, interpreters must rely on their linguistic and contextual understanding. Both professions require adaptability, but interpreters, in particular, must be adept at reading non-verbal cues, managing diverse accents, and navigating the subtleties of spoken language in its common forms.
