Translation or interpretation... How do I know what I need?

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In today’s globalized world, language barriers can be a significant obstacle to business success. Whether a company is expanding into new markets, working with international clients, or collaborating with foreign partners, the need to communicate effectively in different languages ​​is crucial. To overcome these barriers, companies often turn to translation or interpretation services. Although both are often used, translation and interpretation are distinct disciplines, each with their own methods, skills, and applications. Understanding these differences is essential to determining which service is best suited to an organization’s specific needs.

What is translation?
Translation focuses on converting written content from one language into another. This process involves a high level of precision and care, as the translator must ensure that the meaning, tone, and style of the original text are maintained in the translated version. Translators work with a variety of types of documents, including technical manuals, legal contracts, communication directors email list marketing materials, websites, etc. Thus, translation is not just a word-for-word conversion, but requires a deep understanding of the cultural context and the specific subject matter of the text.

Translators often have more time to complete their work than interpreters. They also rely on terminology dictionaries, glossaries and computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools.

What is interpretation?
Interpreting deals with the translation of spoken language in real time . Interpreters work live, either speaking simultaneously (at the same time as the speaker) or consecutively (after the speaker has finished speaking). This work requires not only a thorough knowledge of the source and target languages, but also exceptional listening skills, memory, and spontaneity. Interpreters must grasp the speaker's message and convey it clearly and accurately to the target audience, often without the aid of scripts or reference materials.

In this case, interpreters do not have the time to consult glossaries or terminology dictionaries on the spot, as translators do. As this is a real-time job, they must be very focused and have prepared in advance to avoid making significant mistakes.

Differences between translation and interpretation
Format : Translation deals exclusively with written content, while interpreting focuses on spoken language.
Time : As we mentioned earlier, translators often have more time, which allows them to do research, consult glossaries, and use computer-assisted translation tools to ensure accuracy. In contrast, interpreting happens in real time, so it is not as easy to consult glossaries or dictionaries. More often than not, they have researched the topic in advance.

Accuracy : Accuracy is essential in translation. Translators carefully review and edit their work to ensure that the final text is as accurate as possible. However, while accuracy is also important in interpreting, understanding and effective communication are prioritized over absolute accuracy due to time constraints.

Languages : Translators generally work in one direction only, translating into their native language to ensure the text's fluency and naturalness. However, interpreters must be able to work in both directions, translating both into and out of their native language instantly.
Revision : The translation process includes revision and correction stages to ensure the quality of the translated text. However, this is not possible in interpreting.