Translation and interpretation are essential services for many businesses, especially for ones dealing with customers who speak foreign languages. However, the two functions should not be confused for one another as they are very different. It’s important to know exactly what services your business needs, especially in an international context, to avoid wasting money and time. In today’s blog post, Akorbi looks at some of the most significant differences between translation and interpretation.
What Is Translation?
Translation uses the medium of the written word to communicate the meaning of one language to another language. There are many types of translation services, from general translation to document translation and even video translation. Businesses use translation service companies to ensure the highest quality multilingual communication. Many translation service companies also offer high-quality editing and proofreading services that businesses cannot perform on their own without spending extensive manpower and hours on projects.
What Is Interpretation?
Interpretation uses the medium of the spoken word to communicate the meaning of one language to another language. Interpretation is typically performed in real-time, whereas translation is usually performed after the fact. There are several forms of interpretation, but the two most common methods are consecutive and simultaneous. With consecutive interpretation, the interpreter translates after the source-language speaker finishes speaking. With simultaneous interpretation, the interpreter translates as the source language speaker continues to speak.
How Are Translation and Interpretation Different?
What’s important to remember about translation and interpretation is that translation is the source service. Interpretation is an oral form of translation, but it doesn’t include many important services such as document and video translation. The most notable difference is with the real-time options of each service. Interpretation is used for real-time functions far more often than other forms of translation.
Contact Akorbi For More Information Today
If your company needs translation and interpretation services, Akorbi is here to help. For more information on the services we provide, give us a call at (214) 256-9222 or contact us online today.
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