Interpreter vs. Translator
Difference between Interpreter and Translator: – Often the terms interpreter and translator are used as if they are interchangeable. Popularly it is believed that they are synonymous or that they mean the same thing, nevertheless, the truth is that they are words with different meanings and one must be careful not to confuse them in order not to give way to misunderstandings.
Difference between Interpreter and Translator
If you have doubts about what the difference is between interpreter and translator or just looking for a little more information to complement what you already know, then continue reading, because below we explain everything you want and need to know around this interesting topic.
Interpreter
An interpreter, as its name suggests, is a person responsible for interpreting a message. That is, it does not repeat what has been literally said or written; but extracts the essence of it and makes it known.
The interpreters explain the meaning of things, therefore, they go beyond the mere fact of repeating the same message; many times their work entails a thorough investigation. Sometimes interpreters end up translating things, so they are often mistaken for translators; however, if you pay attention to the other details explained when making a particular translation it is possible to understand why it is an interpretation.
One of the main characteristics that distinguish an interpreter from a translator is that the first one takes into account the context in which a message is produced.
Translator
On the other hand, although in certain cases a translator has to use the interpretation to be understood; usually his work is limited to literally translate the message in question. The occasions in which a translator uses interpretation is because some languages are difficult, but impossible to translate word for word into another language. There are phrases and words that can only be understood when one takes into account the context in which they occur.
In spite of everything, a translator does not always require a deep general understanding of a text or message in order to translate it; which an interpreter does need to have.
Finally, although technically a person can be both; interpreter and translator, this is not always the case. To interpret requires more skills than those required to translate, for example, greater willingness and attention to listening, deeper research and being able to synthesize information.
