Globalization has changed the face of the world. Businesses are expanding beyond their physical boundaries and setting foot in other countries across different cultural backgrounds and languages. Global companies require professional translation services in a bid to connect and communicate with customers and clients in foreign countries. 

Multiple language solution providers offer professional services.

However, a common observation by most service providers is the confusion in the client’s mind between translators and interpreter. Lack of understanding leads to the interchangeability of both services. Often clients requiring professional interpreting services ask for a translator and others with a need for translations end up asking for interpreters. 
In a bid to clear the air between these similar terms, here’s a detailed insight into the differences between translation and interpretation. 

About Translation Services 

Language to language translation refers to the translation of content from one language to another. Translation is done for a document, content and recorded audio/video files. It is not done live. However, word to word translation of the text is not sufficient. The text must be translated in a way that is linguistically and culturally appropriate as understood by the target audience. Contextual consistency is imperative to ensure that the audience understands exactly what the original document intends to communicate. 
Translators are linguistic experts in the source and target language with knowledge in specific industries like medical, legal, academic and more. They therefore, understand the terminologies associated with the specific field and thereby provide accurate translations. 
Translation is closely related to localization, but not the same. A fine line of difference is drawn between the two. Localization is not restricted to translation of the text, but to adapt the content in tune with the cultural background of the target audience. 

About Interpretation Services 

While translation refers to the written text, interpretation refers to the spoken language done live as and when it is spoken in another language. Interpretation services are hired to facilitate communication between two people knowing different languages and from diverse cultural backgrounds. 
Their services are used in person, over the phone or for interpreting video or audio content. Translation of live conversation in conferences, meetings, phone calls, etc. refers to interpretation. As it involves live services, an interpreter must be able to work under pressure while communicating one person’s message to another. They are also well versed in both source and target languages and possess knowledge in specific fields like medical, legal and more. For instance: in a medical conference, interpretation would be challenging if the interpreter lacks good communication skills and an in depth understanding of the medical jargon used by medical professionals. 

Similarities In Interpretation and Translation Services

Although both interpretation and translation services differ, translators and interpreters share a few similarities. Here’s a list of these. 

• Both translators and interpreters are expected to be well versed in both the source and target language, so they can translate the original content with 100% accuracy.
• Translators and interpreters work to communicate the original message exactly as it is to the target audience. 
• Interpreters and translators are professionally qualified to provide the services expected with total precision.  

Differences In Interpretation and Translation Services

Translators and interpreters differ in more than one way. Here’s the list of differences between the two.

• Translators work with the written words or a pre-recorded words, while interpreters work with the live spoken words.
• Translation services are time bound, but not as much as interpretation. Translation of written text can be done across a span of few hours or days. However, interpretation is done spontaneously during a live conversation.   
• Interpreter’s charge by the hour or by the day. Translators charge per word, per hour or per page basis.
• Translators sometimes use software tools. However, as interpretation services are spontaneous, using software tools is not possible.

Tips To Find The Right Translator or Interpreter

Although most of the skills of translators and interpreters are similar, some are a bit different. Translators must be well versed with grammar, format and style of both source and target language, as they deal with translation of text. On the other hand, professional interpreters must have a command on the spoken languages and the confidence to interpret and communicate orally. 
The market is flooded with a host of companies offering translation and interpretation services. However, all of them may not provide expert services. 
It is overwhelming to find the best service provider from the crowd. 
Here are a few tips to find high quality translation and interpretation solution providers.

• Translations are not completely accurate until they are localized in a way that is understood by the target audience. So, choosing translation service companies that localize content is the key to ideal translations. 
• The company should be able to provide translators and interpreters in the language required by the client on demand. Requirements that are not fulfilled on time are not as useful.
• It is vital to check if the service provider provides language solutions in time without delay
• In case of legal, business and other translation and interpretation services, confidentiality of company and client information is prime. Checking if the company maintains confidentiality is important. 
• Check if they have references of clients who have used their translation and interpretation services. Speaking to the references about the company’s services helps client’s understand more about the efficiency of their services. 
• Accurate translation and interpretation services do not require only linguistically fluent service providers. It is important for them to be well versed in specific fields like legal, technical etc. Understanding the terminologies while translating or interpreting requires an understanding of that specific field. It is vital to check if the service provider hires such people who can provide high quality services. 
• Checking online reviews help in understanding whether the services are high quality and accurate. 

The above tips make it easy for clients looking for the best interpretation and translation services to reach their ideal destination and get the best services

One such company that has been serving global companies with accurate, cost effective and quick turnaround translations by native translators in more than 100 languages is Vanan Translation. Our primary motto is client satisfaction. You can therefore, expect unbeatable services from us.