Did you know that there are about 7,000 distinct languages spoken on Earth? With so many unique ways to communicate, it’s incredible how easy it has become to connect! In our digital landscape, we frequently need to communicate across language lines, both orally and in writing.
Do you need to communicate with someone who speaks one of the other 6,999 languages? It’s time to learn the differences between a translator vs interpreter. Hiring the right professional can make a noticeable difference in how you interact.
We’ve created this guide to illuminate the differences between translation and interpretation. Continue reading to learn our best translator tips for a diverse world.
Table of Contents
What Is a Translator?
Imagine that you work at a business and have just typed up a set of client instructions in English. You know that you have clients who speak Urdu, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Arabic. You need a translator to translate the written text on your instruction sheet into four languages.
In other words, a translator works in the written tradition. They can translate text from one language into another. Sometimes one translator is a polyglot and can translate text into many languages for use in a global setting.
Translator Guide
Not sure if you need a translator or an interpreter? You might need a translator if you’re working on one of the following tasks.
- Translating legal paperwork
- Adapting a novel for a foreign market
- Creating a series of foreign language contracts
- Translating medical instructions
- Communicating via writing with non-English speaking caregivers
Again, translators work with written text. They can help you translate text and intentions from one language to another on the page.
What Is an Interpreter?
Imagine that you work at a business that does face-to-face meetings with clients from many countries. You are about to meet with a French-speaking client from Quebec for the first time. You do not speak or understand French.
You should hire an interpreter versed in French translation to help.
Individuals who translate ASL at meetings or events are interpreters. They are translating spoken language into sign language. Although ASL is not an oral language, the interpreter uses the aural input to create a live, foreign language interpretation in real-time.
Interpreter Guide
Not sure if you need an interpreter or a translator? You might need an interpreter if you’re working on one of the following tasks.
- Attending a foreign business meeting
- Holding a parent-teacher conference for ELLs
- Explaining a medical procedure to a non-English speaking patient
- Taking a course delivered in a foreign language
- Going on a tour in a foreign country
To reiterate, interpreters work with oral language. They can help you interpret spoken language during conversational exchanges.
Translator vs Interpreter: Hire the Right One!
When faced with a translator vs interpreter, who will you hire?
If you bring a translator to a foreign business meeting, you won’t know what’s going on. If you send an interpreter the manuscript for your new novel, they might read it, but they won’t be able to help! Ensure that you’ve hired the correct professional for the job so that nothing gets lost in translation… or interpretation!
Don’t let the news get lost in translation, either! Check out the rest of the blog to brush up on the latest stories!