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How Are Translators Different From Interpreters?

RW
by Robert White
01.03.2021

Introduction

Interpreters and linguists are two very professional and well-trained individuals working committedly in the translation industry. Even though the employment industry may be the same, their work logistics have some apparent differences. Today we will learn what makes the two professionals so unique even though they may similar.

translate English to Lithuanian

Uses different tools

A Lithuanian to English translator is free to use assistive tools such as AI tools, glossaries, and dictionaries to amplify the translation’s quality. As a result, translations are done faster and delivered accurately. However, the interpreters are not so fortunate. An interpreter is responsible for translating real-time in the sequence of events presented by the speaker. They may learn from terms and booklets provided before the event.

Moreover, during huge conferences and diplomatic events, interpreters wear headphones and mikes to participate in communicating in multiple languages. Regardless of the nature of work, both forms of linguists will deliver accurate information without comprising the source’s quality and content.

Different qualification

A translator or an interpreter translating Lithuanian to English must be specialized in their niche. Furthermore, experience is also necessary for technical fields such as medical and technical translations. Moreover, legal interpretation requires separate certification. Lastly, both linguists must also accommodate individual client demands and expectations.

Translators also require excellent professional writing skills to create a document perfectly. The copy must have the same writing style, grammatical tense, syntax, and terminologies without damaging the source document. Since interpreting is an interactive professional, they must simultaneously process the source and translated language.

Nature of work

One of the obvious differences is the nature of communication. When Lithuanian to English content is presented to a translator, they will write. On the other hand, an interpreter will speak. 

Translators work on literature, personal documents, and technical documents. They may also work on video games and websites. However, an interpreter will work at conferences, medical events, press conferences, and diplomatic events.

Lastly, the client may choose to hire one or more interpreters. However, hiring ample translators will ruin the content and may result in complications and result in transference of misinformation. In addition, the interpreter may also travel with the client while the translator works remotely or in-office.

Different payment mods

One more difference you may discover between the two professionals is their payment methods. A Lithuanian to English translator is paid according to words, pages, or characters depending on the language. The final amount depends on the source document, its versions, number of pages, and words. The client and translator may agree to a rate without or without spaces. These terms are mentioned in the employment contract.

On the other hand, since events are expertly organized, an interpreter will usually charge by the hour. Furthermore, they may also charge overtime if the event hours extend.

An interpreter cannot fix errors

Unless an interpreter is a time traveler, they cannot rectify the words translated out of their mouth. However, a translator can revise the translations as requested by the client or the project manager. Furthermore, they can also analyze the translation against the source document to check for unnecessary additions or omissions.

An interpreter is trained to get things right the first time. They must deliver accurate translations in live sessions with no time for revisions. Furthermore, since interpreters are not proofreading or editing their work, they cannot perform modifications. Regardless, both are trained to deliver efficiently with minimum interruptions.

Hire Kings of Translation for your translation needs

Kings of Translation is a pioneer in the linguistic sector, working closely with its clients to deliver translations from multiple sectors. The agency offers a first free meeting to meet with the linguistics to decide on the project pipeline before moving forward. Visit our website to learn more.

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