Translation and interpretation

​Translation and Interpretation

What Is Translation?

Translation is the process of reworking text from one language into another to maintain the original message and communication. The word ‘translation’ comes from a Latin term which means “to bring or carry across”. Another relevant term comes from the Ancient Greek word of ‘metaphrasis’ which means “to speak across” and from this, the term ‘metaphrase’ was born, which means a “word-for-word translation”. These terms have been at the heart of theories relating to translation throughout history and have given insight into when and where translation have been used throughout the ages.

WHAT DOES INTERPRETATION MEAN?

The basic definition of interpretation, according to the Webster dictionary is the “action of explaining the meaning of something; the way something is explained or understood.” In terms of language, the definition of interpretation should be broader: rendering a spoken or signed message into another spoken or signed language, preserving the register and meaning of the source language content. It is the spoken or signed language communication between users of different languages. A language interpreter or sign language interpreter must not only quickly and carefully interpret meaning, but also tone and intent of the original message into the target or interpreted language.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRANSLATION AND
INTERPRETATION?

Translation

Interpretation

Multiple Choice

Can you use dictionaries when you translate?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Can you use dictionaries when you interpretate?

• Yes

• No

Often, the difference between translation and interpretation is confused. On a genereal level, the difference between translation and interpretation is that interpretation deals with spoken language in real-time while translation focuses on written content. Another difference is that translation happens over a preiod of time with extensive access to external resources, compared to interpretation which occurs on the spot during a live scenario.

​Summary