Language Translation and Language Interpretation, What is the Difference?

Language translation and language interpretation differ significantly because of their application. Many people unfamiliar with translation services (click here)often mistake language translation for language interpretation. However, both deal with converting one language to another such that their intended audience can understand them. These two language services require some slight differences in skill sets. 

What Is Language Interpretation?

Language interpretation deals with converting one language to another through the spoken language. In language interpretation, an interpreter works to convert words in real-time while being expressed by both parties. Language interpretation takes several forms, such as consecutive interpretation, travel interpreting, whisper interpreting, or they can make the simultaneous interpretation. Language interpretation can be facilitated in person, via phone, or video calls.

What is Language Translation?

Whereas language interpretation deals with the spoken word, language translation deals with converting documents from one language to another. The goal of language translators is to ensure that they preserve the context and the linguistic, cultural, or technical details of the document so that their intended readers can understand them. 

What Skill Sets Does Language Translation and Language Interpretation Require?

Both language translators and language interpreters require similar skill sets. First, they need to be proficient in at least two languages. Second, they should understand the cultural, linguistic, and technical differences between the languages they work on. Third, they should be keen listeners and have excellent comprehension skills in both languages. Moreover, both need to be adept in the industries they work in. For instance, professional language experts specialize in either legal, medical, business, or engineering fields.

What are Specific Skills Required For Language Translation?

• Being in the technical field, they should be able to research words and concepts in both languages.

• They should have excellent comprehension, grammar, and composition skills in both languages.

What are Specific Skills Required For Language Interpretation?

• Language interpreters should be keen listeners and take good notes.

• Language interpreters should have a sharp memory so they can understand all the words and concepts to convert them properly without losing the statement's message.

• Language interpreters should have excellent communication skills.

• Language interpreters should have an excellent grasp of both languages' context, syntax, and grammar.

Does a Bilingual or a Multilingual Person Qualify as a Language Interpreter or a Language Translator?

A bilingual or multilingual person can communicate in at least two languages, but being a professional language translator or interpreter requires skill sets for them to work effectively. Moreover, professional language translators and interpreters specialize in specific industries, professions, or fields to ensure they can deliver their services professionally. Being professionals, language translators and interpreters need to pass certain language proficiency tests.

Takeaways: Human Language Translation and Language Interpretation Is Still indispensable In Today's World

Though we have machine-assisted language translation tools available nowadays, these tools still can't convert words while preserving their proper context. Essential documents such as legal documents, medical transcriptions, and even marketing brochures need very accurate translation to preserve these documents' ideas, thoughts, and messages. Moreover, in the case of spoken communication, human translation services facilitated by a professional who understands the context and cultural considerations when converting languages are vital to preserving the message between parties.