To expand and succeed globally, businesses need to communicate with international users as flawlessly, just like a local company! To make your content resonate in a market’s native language may involve interpretation services, translation and localization services. But how do you figure out what do you need? Here’s your guide!
Translation vs Interpretation
The critical differences between translation and interpretation can be found in the service medium and skill set. Translators translate the written, while interpreters translate spoken language orally. Both the tasks demand deep cultural and linguistic understanding and expertise in the different subject matter. While you may find these terms being used interchangeably, understanding the difference is essential to choose the service needed.
Translation
Most professional translators use computer-aided tools. They convert the source content into a file that’s easy to work on, apply a translation memory (TM) to the text to translate anything the tool has translated before automatically. A translator may refer to glossaries and translation style templates to ensure quality. Finally, the translation is proofread, and the final written document is prepared.
Interpretation
Interpretation is a service that is delivered live– either simultaneously or immediately after the original speech. Professional interpreters need to transpose the source language (language to be translated), preserve its original context. The only resources for interpreters are experience, good memory, and quick reflexes.
So, the differences between translating and interpreting are vast. Here are other main distinctions to determine which service is best suited:
Direction
Interpreters need to be fluent in source and target language, as they’re required to translate live without any reference materials.
Format
Interpretation deals with spoken language in real-time, while translation is text-based.
Delivery
Interpretation is live-action. The process can be in person, over the phone, or via video. Translation can happen long after the source text is created. Translators have ample time to use technology and reference materials to generate translations.
Accuracy
Interpretation needs a comparatively lower level of accuracy to translation. Interpreters aim for perfection, but in a live setting, it is challenging to achieve. Translators’ can review and edit for accuracy, while interpreters cannot.
Intangibles
Re-phrasing analogies, metaphors, and idioms for the target audience are challenging for both. Also, interpreters need to capture the tone, inflexions, voice quality, and other unique elements to convey verbal cues to the audience.
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Translation and interpretation services have a crucial role to play in the global business scenario. They facilitate communication by conveying information accurately from one language to another in various nations across the world. Some business areas are:
Medical interpreters and translators: They promote communication between hospital management and patients. Translating patients’ journals, hospital brochures need a strong knowledge of medical and conversational terms in both languages.
Localisation translators: This involves a complete adaptation of a product for use in different language and culture. A high degree of knowledge about local users is must as the main goal is to adapt as if it is originally manufactured in the country of sale.
Specialised business translators: This involves specialist translation in various fields like economics, finance, marketing, etc. The professionals must have sound knowledge about businesses, markets and current events. Business translation in financial markets is an example of this type of service.
Conference interpreters: International fora such as WTO, the World Bank etc. need conference interpreters. They can interpret from at least two passive languages to one active language, for example, from German and French into English.