Introduction
Translation and interpretation are two very important concepts in our increasingly interconnected multilingual world.
Translation
Translators focus on information in written form, whether it’s printed pages, video subtitles, website text, software, or multimedia. Translation focuses on the transference of written material from one language to another. When done correctly, translation connects the world through mutual understanding, preserves culture, and helps us develop as a whole.
The ability to translate is now becoming a necessity. Translators must have great writing and analytical abilities, as it is important to successfully preserve the meaning of the written word within its context. Translating focuses on the transferring of written material from one language to another. If done correctly, translation connects the world, preserves culture, and helps us develop as a whole. For example, in the United States it is now becoming more and more common to have most documents and resources translated into Spanish, the country’s second most commonly spoken language. The 2019 US Census Bureau, states that there are about 60.5 million hispanics in the US, which accounts for about 18% of the total population. This illustrates the importance of understanding a region’s population and adapting resources to be more accessible to all. Translation plays a vital role in this.
Interpretation
Interpreters focus on any non-written form of transferring one language to another. Whether directly face-to-face, over the phone, or through a video chat, all are forms of interpretation. Although many of the characteristics required by both of these professions are similar, the overall concept is very different. Interpretation deals with the translation of foreign languages verbally and more often than not, in live settings. Interpretation requires a complete verbal command of both the source and target languages and is worked loosely based on the original material. Many languages differ in their intended usage and cultural intonations, this makes interpretation much more complex than just a word for word translation. Instead interpretation is a general concept of material quickly condensed into culturally appropriate language. This requires not only an understanding of both languages but also the ability to adjust and think quickly in live settings. With diversity spreading across countries around the world, interpretation will soon become a primary part of business and everyday life. As of 2019, about 14% of the U.S. population are foreign born. With nearly 59 million immigrants coming to the U.S since 1965, interpretation is becoming a necessity. As the world begins to encourage more diversity, interpretation will become an indispensable resource for businesses, medicine, and other ventures.
Differences
With the world changing everyday, the need for translation and interpretation are becoming increasingly more apparent. Translation deals with the deciphering of written words from one language to another, while interpretation deals with the translation of foreign languages verbally and more often than not, in live settings. These two skills will soon become a necessity for both business and everyday life.
