Interpretation vs. Translation
Basically, the difference between interpreting and translating is that interpreters render oral speech from one language into another while translators convert written text from one language into another.
However, the differences in the training, skills, and talents needed for each job are vast. Interpreters should have excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills. Interpreters need to be very good listeners, be able to understand what they are hearing, and quickly render it into another language without much time to analyze. The interpreter must be able to work well under pressure and react quickly to solve complex linguistic, cultural and ethical problems as they arise.
Translators should have an excellent analytical ability as well as superior writing and editing skills. Translators also need to be computer savvy, as they are reliant on different types of reference material such as dictionaries and technical resources. Translators usually work best when translating into their native language.
While this information is focused mainly for the professional interpreter, individuals interested in working as professional translators should contact the American Translator’s Association (ATA), which provides, among other things, a national-level accreditation process. The ATA can be contacted by phone at (703) 683-6100, by e-mail at ata@atanet.org, or on their Web site at www.atanet.org.