Now and then, clients tell me they are looking for a translator who can translate for them during an appointment with, for example, a lawyer. But, what they actually want to say, is that they need an interpreter.
These two concepts, translator and interpreter, are often used interchangeably, as if they were synonyms. That’s not surprising, given that both translators and interpreters, in essence, ‘do the same thing’: they convey a message from language A to language B. Translators do so in writing and interpreters in spoken language. But that’s all they have in common.
In fact, these two jobs are completely different and require other capabilities and talents. Let me show you.
Translators are passionate about writing. They love to make captivating words flow from their pen (or keyboard). They really take the time to convey the ideas of the source text and create a new text with the same spirit. In that respect, they do a lot of research to use the right terminology and get familiar with the tone of voice of the company.
Most translators specialise in a handful of fields, such as medical or technical translations. I, for instance, specialise in marketing translation, SEO translation, legal translation and business translation.
It’s probably clear by now that you can have basically anything translated: from manuals and recipes, product descriptions and rules of play, to websites and slogans. The possibilities are endless.
By the way, don’t forget that good translators only translate into their mother tongue. There are good reasons for this: the translator is familiar with the subtleties of the target language and can rely on a richer language, the translation won’t read as a translation, but as a natural text, and the translator masters the spelling and grammar of the target language and can produce an impeccable text.
So for your next translation, make sure you look for the right translator for your project.
Interpreters do not have the same luxury translators have and cannot spend hours brooding on the perfect word. They have to translate messages in a split second. And they often have to overcome quite a lot of obstacles, such as very complex topics, speakers who, apparently, are in a rush or participants with a thick accent.
This is also why interpreters need to get all documentation and presentations in advance, to prepare for the interpreting job and to get familiar with the specific topic and terminology.
There are different types of interpretation (consecutive interpreting, simultaneous interpreting and liaison interpreting) that may be appropriate depending on the context and the event. Each technique has its pros and cons, so it is important to go over the options with your interpreter. Also remember that you can enlist the services of interpreters for online or hybrid events.
Ready to translate your website or content?
Or planning a multilingual event?
Reach out to me!
Lots of love,
Reineke
