What is a Translator And A Interpreter?
The translation just might be the best thing that ever happened to human society. Are you wondering why? Don’t worry it is a completely valid question. And the answer to this query is that because it helps us communicate. But are you among one of those people who are confused by their titles, always wonder what is the difference between them?. Do you also don’t know the differences between the translator and an interpreter?
Then don’t worry because in this blog we will dissect that and a lot more knowledge. So that you can gain a new perspective on it. So firstly let’s just discuss both of them one by one individually and differentiate their roles. And once we have done that we will even discuss their common differences in detail. So without any further due let’s get started.
What Is An Translator:
A Translator is a qualified person who has to go through multiple certifications and accreditation. To receive the title of a translator. And their main job is to translate different documents into written forms.
They are responsible for transcribing various legal, professional, and even personal documents into adequate and legally acceptable documents. While simultaneously ensuring that they adhere to the quality standards and their guidelines.
So basically their main domain is to deal with written documents to make translations happen. And not verbal communication which is usually the role of an interpreter.
Following are the main responsibilities of a Translator:
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Translate Important Documents In Written Form:
This is by far the most important responsibility of a translator and is also the deciding factor. Between a competent translator and a non-competent one. As they need to ensure that they translate documents flawlessly.
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Make Sure All The Legal Requirements Are Being Met:
Another major responsibility of a translator is to ensure that all of the legal requirements are being met in his translated document. Various countries have various requirements. And it takes the utmost professionalism to stay up to date and on top of all of them.
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Assure That Culture Respect Are Being Observed In The Language Of Translation:
This can very easily be the most difficult responsibility a translator has as cultures are different all over the world. And as a translator, you need to navigate a fine line between respecting all of them. As well as translating them to an extent that the goal of translation is adequately completed.
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Guarantee That The Context Of The Situation Is Translated:
Context is extremely important and is also the most common mistake which causes misunderstandings among translation parties. So another major responsibility of a translator is to keep the context relevant while translating.
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Proof Read The Document So No Mistakes Are Made:
No translator’s job is ever complete if they atleast proofread their document atleast 10 times. As they are the single most important and crucial responsibility of theirs. Because even a single problem can have dire consequences for their career.
What Is An Interpreter:
The most drastic difference between an interpreter and a translator is that. Interpreting is mostly done verbally unlike translation which is done in a physical written form. They usually work with people of different countries, cultures, languages & ethnicity. And accompany them to conferences, their other engagements. And help them communicate with the other party.
They are the catalyst who understand party A and need to quickly make sure that they translate that keeping various important factors in mind to party B. And that too in an instant so quick and free-flowing communication can occur face to face among different parties.
Just like translators they also need to have adequate accreditation to be considered a professional. As you simply just cannot start being an interpreter if you feel like it. You need proper training because this job also bears significant responsibilities, which are the following.
Following are the main responsibilities of an Interpreter:
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Be Competent & Quick:
A translator has the luxury to work at their own pace because they have a deadline to adhere to. But unfortunately, this isn’t the case with interpreters as they work at the moment. You accompany a party and are standing at their side all the time and when communication occurs.
You have to be both quick as well as competent at your job so you can ensure you are doing your job the right way.
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Summarize Long Sentences:
This is also another responsibility that an interpreter has is along with being competent and adequate. They have to summarize long sentences as brief and accurately as possible so they can ensure communication happens at a quick pace.
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Be Respectful Of The Culture:
When you are interpreting you are working quickly. But even at that speed, you need to make sure that you never forget. That certain words in a certain language could be a big deal. So you need to ensure that you are respectful of other cultures while doing your job.
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Make Sure There Are No Mistakes:
When you are working quickly mistakes are bound to happen. But that is exactly what an interpreter is not supposed to do. And this is the most important responsibility that an interpreter has to work quickly but make sure no mistakes happen.
What Are The Differences Between Them:
Even though if you close observe through a naked and close eye on the surface you’d think. That the job of both Translators and an Interpreter is quite same. And there are some genuinely amazing companies in the UAE that offer certified translation services of both.
But there are still some major differences between the two through which you can identify which is why and along with why. And this is why we have listed 5 common differences between the translator and an interpreter down below:
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Difference Of Medium:
The biggest difference between the translator and an interpreter is the medium they work on. Translators work on written form whereas interpreter work on verbal communication.
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Time Difference:
The other major difference between the translator and an interpreter is of time difference they work on. A Translator can take their time and work at their own pace as they follow a deadline. Whereas an interpreter does not have that luxury as they work at the moment. And have to be quick on their feet.
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Legal Consequences:
Another difference between the translator and an interpreter is that. If an interpreter messes up they can apologize and correct themselves. As their job relies on verbal communication. Whereas when a translator messes up their can be legal consequences. As they work with the written word which holds more value in the eyes of the law.
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Level Of Expertise:
The level of expertise is also another difference between the translator and an interpreter. As an interpreter, although needs to be a lot of things can still manage to get by. If they can speak the language adequately. Whereas a translator needs to be an expert. Otherwise, they can mess up their job because they deal with legal requirements.
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Direction:
The biggest difference between them is in direction. As interpreters only work in one direction where they just translate and speak them directly. Whereas translators work in two directions they translate as well as write them so suit various quality standards.
How To Identify These Differences Easily:
Although to the person who is unknown of the intricacies which happens between them. The role of the translator and an interpreter will look exactly the same to them. And these are the very specific reasons why we have discussed in detail their individuality.
As well as their common difference so you can be aware of their difference. Out of all of them which one did, you found useful? Let us know in the comment section. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
