Translation Services Cleveland OHIO

The Difference Between a Translator Vs. Interpreter

Most people get confused between what the job description of an interpreter is versus atranslator. Translators typically translate from one source language to a target language on some sort of a document, while interpreters do the same thing but in real time, with both persons present during the interpreting. For example, interpreters are present during court cases, while translator provide the translated documents for the court case.

Translators and Interpreters are two types of work. What is the difference you ask? Well, one is written, and the other is verbal. You would think it would be the same thing as they are both ways of communicating languages, whether it’s foreign or sign language.

Translators work with their experienced language and translate in writing and they are expected to have nearly perfect written skills. They are most of the time translating documents in two different languages and require phenomenal grammar and analytical skills. A translator also has the extra time to think carefully about what is being said in one document before writing it to another language in another document. The kind of companies that utilize a translator’s work would be one’s that need government paperwork and reports translated from one language to another.

Interpreters have a different communication function. Usually it would be either in sign language or a foreign language. Interpreters are people that have an on-going conversation with two or more people. As one person is talking, the interpreter is relaying the information being said over to whom they are communicating to. An interpreter is required to have mental agility and a vast memory, along with analytical and research skills. There are two types of interpreters. First, there is a simultaneous interpreter who is constantly translating while a speaker is talking. People, who work on an International level position with a company in this field, will often work in pairs for twenty minute segments. This is due to the high degree of concentration that is involved. The second type of interpreter is called a consecutive interpreter. Anyone who needs a consecutive interpreter usually requests them for a one-on-one communication need. These people will allow a speaker to talk in a few sentences, or finish a paragraph, and then will communicate to the person who is receiving the information from the speaker. A consecutive interpreter will sometimes take notes while listening and use short hand for their notes.

There are many companies that do not have an in-house translator; therefore an agency would be very resourceful to make sure your documents are properly worked on. A Translation Agency is a great place to go for companies that require documents to be looked over in another language. An Interpreter is beneficial to help doctors and nurses swiftly talk to a patient that is requiring immediate medical attention and does not know how to speak a language where they may be. Interpreter Services are in need for cases like the above mentioned. They are great for the hearing impaired, but also for places like the health industry. Government and large corporations also benefit from these services for their organization.

There are many ways of communicating to a person who does not speak your native tongue, so if you want it translated verbally or by script, you now know whether to hire a translator or an interpreter.

For more information on differentiating between translation services and English, Chinese, Spanish or Sign Language interpreter Services please visit InterpretersUnlimited.com.