How can a translator become an interpreter?

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.