Translation vs. Interpretation: What’s the Difference?

Translation and interpretation, or translating and interpreting, can be very confusing. Are they interchangeable? What do they really mean?

The Quick and Easy Explanation

Translation

Translation is written communication. If you convert one language to another language in writing, you are translating. Books and documents can be translated.

Interpretation

Interpretation is verbal communication, or in the case of Sign Language, expressed in its native form. Conversations and meetings can be interpreted.

Looking at It Further

How Translation Works

Translation works through written text. It can be started and stopped at any time because the Translator generally works alone. Translation can be used repeatedly. Translators must possess a strong understanding of grammar, syntax, and culture to translate documents accurately and effectively. They must be good at researching information and be detail-oriented.

How Interpretation Works

Interpretation works through verbal language or Sign Language. It is done in real time, and the parties are commonly present, either in person or virtually, during the interpretation process. When the interpreting is complete, there is no record of it unless you record it. It is instantaneous, natural, and temporary. Interpreters must have a strong understanding of the languages they are working with because there is no time to research information. They must have the ability to think quickly and retain information.

Can Sign Language Be Translated?

The quick answer is yes. Translation of the alphabet or written characters of a language to document what is written and converted from one language to another. Sign Language uses a visual means of language production.

If you want to “write” Sign Language, you can record it on video. Recording Sign Language on video allows it to be kept indefinitely and viewed repeatedly. Additionally, there have been different systems created by people to “write” Sign Language on paper, but none have been so successful at conveying the language that it has become widely used.

The Difference Between Translation and Interpretation

Most people understand that when you say translated or interpreted, you want something conveyed in a different language than it is currently in. They are not, however, truly interchangeable. Translators and Interpreters have different skill sets and the language production is written or recorded for one and verbalized or signed in real time for the other.