27 Feb Differences between Translation and Interpretation, and where LDT stands

There may have been many times in our life where we may have encountered people who do not speak the same language as we are. This can get particularly problematic if you are talking to someone who does not share your native language. Although at times you can use gestures and body language to communicate your way through small encounters, when it comes to official business meetings, this can get quite problematic. This is where translation and interpretation come to our aid.

So what is the difference between translation and interpretation?

However, you need to know that there is a difference between translation and interpretation. According to the rule, interpretation is oral, whereas translation is actually written. You should also know that professional translation and interpretation will involve the translation in the native language of the translator or interpreter. This makes sure that the outcome will be error-free, as well as grammatically correct.

A translator will need to have excellent thinking, editing and writing skills. On the other hand, an interpreter needs to have excellent communication skills. Of course, these two fields are extremely interlinked because the items that are translated of course needs to be communicated in an efficient manner, as well. Therefore, once translated, it needs to be interpreted as well. However, translators and interpreters also have different skills, and it is not necessary that one person who works as a translator will also be equipped to deal as an interpreter.

Another difference includes that translation can be done alone, because this simply involves conversion from one language to another. On the other hand, interpretation will always be done in a group. Although both involve the art of conversion, there are clear differences between the two. The aptitude that is required, along with the training that is needed for both these jobs is definitely different. In language interpretation, mental dexterity, a good memory and strong analytical skills are required. Contrary to that, translation services, as mentioned above require better reading and linguistic skills. For this reason, translators tend to prefer to translate in their own language.

What does Live Document Translation provide?

Now that you know what translation and interpretation mean you should also know what Live Document Translation actually provides to its clients. Well, despite the definitions above, our trans-interpreters need to interpret documents on the phone. So it is actually a mix between translation and interpretation.

The client creates an account, uploads his document, select the languages and a time when he wants to be called. Our system will send an email to all trans-interpreters doing that specific language combination announcing them that a new job came in. The first interpreter who clicks the accept link in the email gets the job.

At the time the client has chosen, our system will call both the client and the trans-interpreter. At this time, as a trans-interpreter, you need to have the client’s document in front of you and depending on what the client wants, you need to provide a translation summary, or translate the entire text, or respond to client questions about his document.

Interpreting and translation services are definitely needed all around the world. They have a great future especially in the field of the healthcare industry, as well as overseas business, corporations and multinationals. A more stringent need appeared and it’s quickly grows: the need for fast translations. This is where Live Document Translation can help by quickly translating a document in real-time, by the phone.