Interpreter vs. Translator: Understanding the Differences and Similarities
When seeking out language services, one of the first things people ask is “What is the difference between an interpreter vs. a translator?” After all, interpreting and translation services are both used to convert words and sentences in one language into another.
While it can be easy to mix the two terms up, the interpreter vs. translator distinction is quite simple: Interpreters work with spoken or signed language, while translators work with written language. They both play a key role in ensuring organizations like healthcare providers and government agencies can communicate clearly with people from different linguistic backgrounds.
In this article, we’ll look at the key differences between an interpreter vs. translator, focusing on the skills required of both roles. We’ll also answer some commonly asked questions about interpreters and translators, while also shedding light on why many organizations need to work with both in order to provide truly equitable and accessible services.
Interpreter vs. Translator: Defining the Roles
As we’ve discussed, interpreters work with spoken or signed language while translators work with written language. In short: Interpreters talk, translators type. Let’s take a closer look at the day-to-day work of an interpreter vs. translator.
What is an Interpreter?
A professional interpreter works in real time, converting speech from one language to another language. This enables two parties who don’t speak the same language to have a free and spontaneous conversation with one another.
There are many different kinds of interpreting services:
- Simultaneous interpreting: As one speaker talks, the interpreter speaks at the same time, converting their message into the other language.
- Consecutive interpreting: The interpreter takes notes and waits for each party to finish speaking before conveying their message in the other party’s language.
- Sight interpreting: An interpreter is presented with a document in one language that they translate immediately, reading it aloud in another language.
- Relay interpreting: Common for rare language pairs, relay interpretation uses multiple interpreters in sequence—for example, English to Quechua may go through English–Spanish, then Spanish–Quechua.
Likewise, there are multiple different ways interpreting services can be delivered. While interpreters may deliver their services in person, it’s also common for them to do so on the phone (this is known as over-the-phone interpreting) or via video call (this is known as video remote interpreting).
Here are a few examples of instances where you might use the services of an interpreter:
- In healthcare, specialized medical interpreters help patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) communicate with their doctors, nurses, and other members of their care team.
- Government branches and agencies work with interpreters in a wide range of settings such as for elections, social services, courts, and other legal settings.
- In K-12 schools and universities, interpreters offer support for students and parents with LEP in parent-teacher meetings, school activities, and administrative tasks.
What is a Translator?
A professional translator, on the other hand, receives documents—such as brochures, webpages, forms, etc.—in one language and translates them into another language.
There are many different kinds of translation services, each specialized for different kinds of texts. For example, legal translators are particularly knowledgeable about technical legal terminology that rarely comes up outside of legal contexts. Literary translators, on the other hand, take a more creative approach in translating works of literature, such as novels and plays.
One term you’ll often come across when seeking document translation services is “machine translation post-editing.” This is a service in which translation software is used to produce a translation of a text that is then reviewed and edited by a human who is familiar with the source and target languages, confirming that the text is accurately translated. This method saves quite a bit of time, though human translators tend to yield the highest quality, as they’re able to understand idiomatic phrases and cultural nuance better than translation software can.
Here are a few examples where you might use translation services:
- Healthcare organizations and insurance plan providers work with translators to translate documents like medical records, notice of action letters, outreach materials, into several different languages.
- Government branches and agencies work with translators to translate documents like voter ballots, legal documents, immigration letters, application forms, and more to ensure that they are accessible to as many constituents as possible.
- K-12 schools and universities may request translation services to help English-language learners and LEP families engage with the education process—for example, translating enrollment forms, report cards, and teacher communications.
Interpreters vs. Translators: Key Differences
As we’ve discussed, there’s a clear distinction between an interpreter vs. translator. While their jobs may seem fairly similar, each role requires a unique set of skills. Besides their focus on written vs. spoken or signed language, there are several key differences that you should know about when deciding whether you need to contract the services of an interpreter vs. translator:
1. Mode of Communication:
- Interpreters work with spoken or signed language.
- Translators handle written text and localization.
2. Settings and Usage:
- Interpreters are essential in live, real-time interactions, such as patient care in healthcare and live legal proceedings in government.
- Translators work behind the scenes with written materials, ensuring accurate translations of health records, legal documents, election materials, etc.
3. Speed and Timing:
- Interpreters must process and convey information instantly during live interactions.
- Translators have more time to carefully consider and perfect their translations.
4. Interpersonal Interaction:
- Interpreters engage directly with speakers or audiences, often working face-to-face or via video/audio platforms.
- Translators typically work independently, focusing on text-based materials.
5. Accuracy and Nuance:
- Interpreters focus on conveying the meaning and tone of the speaker as quickly and clearly as possible.
- Translators aim for precise, accurate text translations, often accounting for cultural nuances and legal terms.
6. Certification and Specialization:
- Interpreters often require specialized training for specific fields, such as medical or legal interpreting, and may hold certifications like CI (certified interpreter).
- Translators may also specialize (e.g., legal, technical, literary) and often seek certifications like ATA (American Translators Association).
7. Technology:
- Interpreters may rely on tools like headsets, microphones, and video conferencing for remote interpreting, especially in healthcare and legal contexts.
- Translators use software tools like CAT (computer-assisted translation) and MT (machine translation) to assist in text translation.
8. Cultural Sensitivity:
- Interpreters must be able to quickly adapt to cultural contexts and manage sensitive conversations in real-time.
- Translators also must ensure cultural appropriateness but have the time to refine the translation for specific audiences.
Interpreters vs. Translators: Key Similarities
Despite all of these differences, interpreters and translators do have their fair share of similarities:
- Enhancing Quality of Life: Both act as a bridge to better communication and more effective integration within society.
- Language Expertise: Both require a deep understanding of multiple languages and cultures, as well as specialized knowledge of the relevant fields (healthcare, legal, governmental).
- Cultural Sensitivity: Both professionals must navigate cultural nuances and ensure communication is respectful, clear, and effective in multicultural contexts.
- Confidentiality and Ethics: Both interpreters and translators adhere to strict ethical guidelines, particularly in sensitive settings like healthcare and legal environments.
Why Translators and Interpreters Are Both Necessary
If you’re reading up on the difference between an interpreter vs. translator, odds are, you’re wondering which of the two is right for your organization. But if you work with a large number of LEP individuals, it’s likely you’ll need the services of both at some point. That’s because they complement one another, allowing organizations to fully offer their services in multiple different languages.
The United States is an increasingly multilingual society: As of 2020, 22% of the population spoke a language other than English at home. That percentage has been steadily rising over the last few decades. Among this population, people speak English at varying levels. While many speak English, there’s a significant group of people who speak English at a very basic level, with about 25 million people—that’s 8% of the population—considered to have LEP.
If you provide your services to people with LEP, it’s not a question of interpreter vs. translator, but rather, when to use which. By working with both interpreters and translators, you ensure that LEP individuals have equitable access to the critical services provided by healthcare organizations, government agencies, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interpreter vs. Translator Services
Can a translator work as an interpreter?
While some translators also provide interpreting services, not all translators are equipped to provide interpreting services.
What is the difference between an interpreter and a translator?
Interpreters convert spoken or signed language from one language to another in real time. Translators, on the other hand, convert written texts from one language to another.
Does my office need an interpreter or a translator?
It depends. If you need somebody to enable real-time conversations between two parties that do not speak the same language (for example, a patient with LEP and a doctor), you need an interpreter. If you have a document in one language and need it converted to another language, you need a translator.
Would a hospital need an interpreter or a translator?
Hospitals typically work with both interpreters and translators. Interpreters allow patients with LEP to communicate with their care team and hospital administrative staff, while translators ensure that documents such as discharge forms, doctor’s notes, etc. are accessible to patients with LEP.
Do courts provide an interpreter or a translator?
Courts also work with both interpreters and translators. Courts typically work with interpreters during hearings to ensure that individuals with LEP can fully understand and participate in the hearing. Courts are required by law to provide an interpreter to LEP individuals at no cost. Additionally, courts may use translation services to make sure that relevant paperwork and documents are available to LEP individuals.
Summary
The difference between an interpreter vs. translator is fairly straightforward. While interpreters work in real-time, converting speech from one language to another, translators work with the written word. But despite the clear differences between a translator vs. interpreter, they play complementary roles that enable organizations to cater their services to as many people as possible. By working with both interpreters and translators, you enable LEP individuals to access your services just as easily as a native English speaker could.
If you’re looking for interpreting or translation services (or both), Avantpage can help. Fill out this form to get a free quote or contact us at info@avantpage.com or (530) 750-2040 to learn more.
