Friday, February 27, 2009

Interpreter or Translator?

Many of you have heard these two words used quite often and most likely think they mean the same. Well, I want you to know the difference!




Even thought they both deal with transferring information from one language (the source) to another (the target) "interpreting" is a verbal action while "translating" is a written action.




Being bilingual does not mean that a person can be an interpreter. Even though TN does not have yet a certification requirement, there are workshops and training that will prepare a bilingual person to be able to become a professional.




Interpreting and translating require great skill and not all professionals do both. They are completely different jobs!




So next time someone tells you that they are calling a translator, you know what to say!