What's the difference between an interpreter and a translator?

Listening to the speaker's presentation
and interpret at the same time.





Simultaneous interpreters sitting in booth.  



   



There are some differences between an interpreter and a translator. Both are skilled professionals, able to communicate in different languages. But the point that differentiates them is that the interpreter does the job on the spot, verbally, while the translator usually does it on a written form, and not necessarily at the same time the communication between two people is happening.

Simultaneous interpreters have to think and speak at the same time, and this ability is very hard to achieve, since precision and accuracy ought to be intricate qualities of their job. So, next time you participate on any conference, trade-show, meeting or any other circumstance in which interpreters and/or translators are participating as well, keep in mind what their qualities are, and value their hard work:

• Knowledge: They master both the source and the active (also called target) language and they’re 100 per cent capable of communicating in such languages in verbal and written forms

• Resourcefulness: They get the message across instantly, using not only their language skills but also their knowledge of the subject matter of the conference or meeting

• Intuition: In order to perform better in their everyday activities, they develop abilities to improvise and to construe facts in fast manner 

• Education: Simultaneous interpreters and translators are college-educated professionals

• Good Manners: Their voice is pleasant, and their manners are appropriate for interaction with one or dozens of people

• Cultured: Their knowledge of the world allows them to act with tact and to sort many unexpected situations