Interpretation and translation are commonly used words, but they are often used interchangeably without knowing the difference between the two. There are also many interpreters who do both interpreters and translators. However, in reality, there are many differences between these two, not only the term itself, but also the nature of the work, the necessary qualities, and the work environment, other than the fact that it is a job using language.
Let's first look at the definitions of interpretation and translation. They are called interpretation and translation in English, interpretation (interpretation) and translation (translation) in Japanese, and interpretation (zoning) and translation (translation) in Chinese. In addition to Korean, interpretation and translation are often distinguished for each language. *Interpreting means “transferring words so that meaning can be understood between people who don't understand,” and translation refers to “transferring an article in one language to another.” Seen in the dictionary sense, these two deal with different objects called “words” and “writing.” “If you read it, it's a word; if you write it, isn't it?” You may also have a question. However, it is difficult to say that “words” conveyed by mouth and “words” in writing often use different terms even if they express the same meaning, so it is difficult to say that words and words are necessarily the same. This is probably why written and colloquial languages exist.
* Commentary from the National Institute of Korean Language
So what exactly is the difference between interpretation and translation?
1. Is the result volatile
Perhaps the biggest difference between interpreting and translating is the result. In particular, interpretation and translation vary in many areas due to whether the results are one-time or permanently preserved. Since interpreters deliver in words, they are highly volatile. It's about helping you understand from time to time. Therefore, minor grammatical errors or fillers in the interpreter's interpretation (ex. Um, he, me) is allowed to some extent if there is no problem with the understanding itself. However, since the translation results are left in either paper or file form, typos and grammatical errors are noticeable. Therefore, translators pay a lot of attention to post-translation work. If interpreters spend a long time preparing for a single interpretation, translators focus on inspection and proofreading to make the translation as perfect as possible.
2. The tendencies and qualities of interpreters and translators
In fact, there are many cases where they are both interpreters and translators, but there is essentially a difference in the qualities required for interpretation and translation. As a result, the images that the interpreter and the translator each have are slightly different. Of course, nowadays, there are many interpretations through video or conference calls, but basically, interpreting is an active job done face-to-face with people. Also, since both sequential interpretation and simultaneous interpretation are performed along with the speaker's utterance, instantaneous judgment is important. Translation, on the other hand, requires endurance and persistence, as it takes great care in choosing a single term. Sometimes I spend the whole day thinking about just one sentence to find the right term. Both tasks require a high level of concentration, but as there are differences in input and output, the required competencies are also different.
3. Relationships with clients and translation companies
Unless a direct request relationship is formed between the client, the interpreter, and the translator, both interpretation and translation are carried out through an agency called an interpreter company and a translation company. You can also find translation agencies that work as interpreters and translators. In this case, the biggest difference between interpretation and translation can be the presence or absence of direct contact with the client. As mentioned above, since interpretation is done at the event site or where the client is present, a face-to-face meeting with the client is inevitable even if it is a project through an interpretation company. Of course, there are often opportunities to meet or meet in person with an interpreter company, so if you work together several times, it's easy to establish a bond between the agency and the interpreter. Also, if a PM is actually at the interpretation site, it is easier to communicate with clients from the interpreter's point of view, and it is possible to respond flexibly to unexpected situations in the field. Even when preparing in advance for interpretation, I have no choice but to communicate frequently with PM to secure materials.
Translators, on the other hand, usually work in a place that is convenient for them unless they are a full-time translator at a translation company. Also, since translators only receive necessary content such as background information and original text of the project from the translation company, there are actually few opportunities to meet directly with translation company personnel or PMs. I don't even meet clients. Therefore, it takes some time for the relationship between translators, translation PMs, and translation companies to develop. This is why you should pay attention to written forms of communication, such as emails sent and received with each other.
If you look at it simply, interpreting and translating seem like the work of people who are good at foreign languages, but the native language is more important than you might think. Interpreters must be good at both because they have to keep moving their native language into their native language, and since they only move in one fixed direction, they often think that they should be good at the language to be translated. However, in fact, it is impossible to translate properly if you are good at either your native language or a foreign language. This is because in either direction, understanding the original text and deriving an accurate translation must go hand in hand to make a proper translation.
As these similar but different interpretation and translation jobs require the qualifications of an interpreter and translator that suits each, appropriate support that takes into account the characteristics of the work is also necessary. Just as the nature of interpretation and translation is different, there will be differences in the abilities required for each project, even if one person combines the two. If you understand this and add the support and management needed by interpreters and translators, as well as interpreters and translators, more ideal project management will be possible.
*This content has been transferred from Gicon Studio to Letterworks.
