09.02.2018

Difference between Interpreting and Translating

Difference between Interpreting and Translating

twitter icon

Interpreting is a word to word translation of a spoken language. This has to be done face to face or via phone, whereas translating is a word to word translation of a written language.
Interpreters work on projects which is live like conferences, appointments, sign language, meeting, courts etc.
Translators work on information in written like documents, websites, video subtitles etc.These are few distinctions that differentiate between interpreter and translator

Accuracy

Interpreters have to know both source language and target language fluently because they translate in both directions instantly.

Translators are relaxed because they can use a third party to help them with the translation like a computer, or a person who knows the source language. They usually work in one direction, which is translating source language into their mother tongue

Time

Interpreters have limited time for translation, because they translate on the spot, whereas translators have much longer to translate the documents.

Grammar

Grammar mistakes within a spoken phrase can be accepted in certain circumstances where the meaning of the stated phrase is not affected. This could be due to time limits, venue or situation. Whereas translators have to make sure that there are no spelling mistakes, use the correct form of vocabulary and the grammar.

Are they any similarities?

Of course, they are, both interpreters and translators work with a source language and a target language.

Both professions only work into their mother tongue.

Both require professional qualifications and/or accreditations.



www.ntiservices.org

  • Interpretation & Translation
  • Translation
  • interpreting
  • legal services
  • languages

Managing Director of UKLST, one of the fatest growing language service providers within UK. With over 3000 linguists in over 250 languages and dialects. 

Follow us for more articles and posts direct from professionals on      
Law, Tax, Trustee, Common Law, Private Law

Hastings-Bass and Pitt v Holt

Lessons from Hastings-Bass and Pitt v Holt: For years, trustees and advisers took comfort in a perceived safety net: if…
Website, Web Agency, Development

Websites Used To Be Brochures. Now They're Employees....

Your website has been asleep this whole time. For the last 20 years, a website has meant the same thing. A digital…
Ratatouille (film)

Motivational quotes

"Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere." Anton Ego in Ratatouille."If you…

More Articles

AI, Automation, Ai adoption, Lead genaration

The Hidden Cost of a Slow Lead Response (And What It's...

Here's a number worth sitting with. 100 times. That's how much more likely you are to convert a lead if you respond…
Law, Court, HM Revenue And Customs

HMRC v BlueCrest Capital Management (UK) LLP UKSC 18

On 1 July 2026, the UK Supreme Court handed down judgment in Commissioners for HMRC v BlueCrest Capital Management (UK)…
Automation, Technology, Development

What Is AI Automation — And Why Should Small Business...

When most people hear the words "AI automation" they picture one of two things. Either a Silicon Valley tech company…

Would you like to promote an article ?

Post articles and opinions on Cheshire Professionals to attract new clients and referrals. Feature in newsletters.
Join for free today and upload your articles for new contacts to read and enquire further.