Translators
and interpreters both spend their lives converting words in one language into
words in another language. However, it’s not very common to find individuals
who provide both translation and interpretation services. As such, we’ve set
out to explore the key similarities and differences between translation services and interpretation services, and to provide useful advice for any translators who are
considering trying their hand at interpretation.
Translation and interpretation
Translation
work takes a written file in one language and converts it to another language.
In this day and age, translation can also involve converting video and audio
files into other languages.
Interpretation
work, meanwhile, focuses on converting spoken words from one language to
another. Common uses of interpretation services include delivering conference
speeches in other languages and facilitating business meetings where
participants don’t speak each other’s languages fluently.
The mechanics of language processing
Whether we
read or hear language, it is processed by the cerebrum – the large, outer part
of the human brain. However, reading is associated with left-lateralized
activation, while listening comprehension is associated more with extensive
bilateral temporal cortex activation. Essentially, this means that translators
and interpreters are using their brains in different ways when they work.
