The Difference between Translation and Interpretation
If you want a career in translation or interpretation, you have to know the difference between those two. They may sound similar because there are some similarities between them, but they are quite different. So, choose carefully before you fully commit because it can lead to a tough career.
But what are the differences between translation and interpretation? Read on to discover them!
youtu.beTranslation vs. Interpretation
Translation and interpretation are linguistic disciplines that are closely related, but most of the time, they are not performed by the same people. There is a difference in training, aptitudes, skills, and knowledge. So, they can’t be done by the same person.
- Translation
This job requires that you know the source language, the culture, the location from which the text originated and other factors that could improve the translation process. Translators will use a large library of dictionaries, manuals, reference materials and software applications to translate the document accurately and clearly for the target audience.
The most important quality that a translator should have is the ability to write well in the target language. Of course, you still need linguistic and cultural skills to do that, on top of other factors.
The interesting thing with translators is that there are individuals who can rarely express their thoughts well in a given subject in both languages. Some top-notch translators are not fully bilingual and because of these limitations, an excellent translator will only translate documents into his/her native language and not the other way around.
- Interpretation
An interpreter can translate in both languages quickly. He can interpret without using manuals, dictionaries, software applications, reference materials and so on. They need a lot more skills than translators, like extraordinary listening abilities when they have to do simultaneous interpreting.
Simultaneous interpreters need to analyze, process and memorize the words from the source language in real-time so as to translate them into the target language. The interpreter translates the words that the speaker said ten seconds ago so that the process has a smooth flow to it.
Another difference between translating and interpreting is that interpreters must have excellent public speaking skills. Those qualities are needed to instantly transform colloquialisms, idioms, and expressions into statements so that the target audience understands them.
A good interpreter requires at least three years of experience for simultaneous interpreting and excellent note-taking techniques for multiple interpretations. A good interpreter must be familiar with both cultures and have an extensive knowledge of the topic that is about to be interpreted.
He/she also needs to have an extensive vocabulary in both languages and the ability to express his/her thoughts clearly and accurately in both languages. As you can see, interpretation requires more training, more knowledge and more experience than translation.
In the End
Translators have to do with written texts and use manuals, dictionaries and translating software. There is also a deadline for each project.
However, interpreters deal with spoken language and need to translate orally. The process happens quickly, five to ten seconds are needed for the interpreter to analyze, process and translate the spoken words. It requires a lot more experience and knowledge. Also, interpreters do not use dictionaries or manuals.
So, if you want to sit at a desk and translate written text, then check out translation jobs. But, if you think that you got what it takes to be an interpreter, then go for this and you will probably earn more in the long run.
If you still can’t decide what to do, you can check PickWriters.com. They also have some tips for you.
How to Choose a Translation Service
If you’re looking for a professional translator, you have to do it right. At the end of the day, the first reason why you’re considering getting professional assistance is to enjoy optimal quality.
Evidently, translation firms aren’t made equal. Therefore, employing the first company that comes your way might result in being disappointed. That’s why we want to give you a few useful guidelines regarding choosing a reliable translation service. Here’s what you should know.
- The translators’ expertise
The only way in which you can be sure that the document you want to be translated is excellent is for the translator to have experience in the domain. In simplest terms, a translation company will only be as good as its translators.
To that end, your priority should be to find out accurate information about the staff members. In how many languages does the firm provide translating services for? Are the translators native speakers? If not, do they have the required certifications that attest their knowledge and expertise?
If you want a thoroughly done job, you shouldn’t take this decision lightly. But, instead, focus on finding out as much info as possible about the translators’ expertise.
- Experience and reputation
Although we aren’t saying that you should definitely stay away from newly-founded translation companies, selecting a firm with years of experience is definitely reassuring. Even new companies deserve a chance; therefore, if you intend to choose a company with limited experience in the realm of translating, you should still require evidence that indicates you’re dealing with professionals.
Meanwhile, the experience isn’t the only factor. In simplest terms, the company with the most extensive experience isn’t necessarily the very best, since experience is, many a time, just a number. Still, you should make sure that the company you hire has a positive reputation. Look for customer reviews, testimonials, ratings, so on and so forth.
These should offer you a good indicator of a company’s reliability. In this way, you can ensure that the firm you choose has a reputation for integrity, decent customer service and high-quality assistance.
- Reliable testimonials
In the event in which you aren’t proficient in the language in which you want your document to be translated in, you’ll find it difficult to determine the professionalism of any translating samples. Therefore, browsing for detailed, reliable testimonials could give you a good insight. Nevertheless, only scanning through the testimonials present on the firm’s website won’t do. You should also look for detailed feedback. If anything, we advise you to ask the company to provide references or former customer feedback.
- Industry specialization
Irrespective of the industry sector or expertise requirements, it makes sense to look for a company that focuses on providing certain types of translations. Hiring excellent linguist is one thing, but if you want to be 100 percent accurate that your translation is of the best quality, you should know that the agency has a well-founded quality control strategy.
This is important especially if you have a compelling document in complicated domains such as medicine, law, so on and so forth.
If you’re uncertain regarding your company’s experience in the niche, you should require evidence. In this way, you can rest assured that the firm is, indeed, proficient as it claims to be. You shouldn’t settle for less than that!
On a final note, as long as you take our tips into account, finding a decent translating company shouldn’t be too challenging. Just make sure you don’t make a rushed decision. What is more, if you’re uncertain where you start your search for a reliable translator, go to www.pickwriters.com.
US Translators – What are You Doing for Health Insurance?
For 97% of the world, health care is not an issue. These are individuals who live in countries in which health care is free for all citizens; these are also people who are covered with health insurance by their employers. For the other 3%, however, health insurance is something that must be found and paid for individually. This applies most often to U.S. entrepreneurs and freelancers. For example, Pick Writers specialists.
What the Law Says
Right now, although Congress is in disarray regarding health care and potential new laws, the ACA, or Affordable Care Act, is the law of the land. This is also known as Obamacare. And for freelance translators in the U.S., there are some very important “rules” that will apply:
- There is an individual mandate – this means that you must buy health insurance or pay a fine on your taxes each year.
- If you are still under 26, you can stay on your parents’ health insurance plan. The year you turn 26, however, you must buy your own policy.
- There are individual insurance markets that you can access online through the ACA website. Here you can plug in your information and get quotes from a number of insurance companies
- If you fall below certain income levels, you will qualify for subsidies, that is, the ACA plan will pay some of your premiums for you – this is a huge benefit for freelancers who are just starting out and have low income.
Will This All Change?
It could, depending on Congress. There is a huge debate going on right now. Many congressmen and Senators would like to replace Obamacare, but they cannot agree on what that replacement should look like. So far, all of their proposals have failed.
But President Trump is not yet willing to call it quits. He wants Congress to get back to work on a replacement, and is applying pressure for them to do this.
You will need to stay informed of any changes that might occur, because it will affect the type of health insurance you buy and the amount you pay for it.
Details of Your Need
As you think about what type of health insurance you may need, consider all of the following;
- How much reserve do you have? This will determine what kind of deductible you choose – the amount you pay before your insurance picks up the costs. The larger deductible you choose, the less your insurance will cost.
- What kind of coverage do you want? Do you want just hospitalization? If so, your insurance will only cover expenses if you are admitted to the hospital.
- Do you want major medical coverage? This type of plan will pay for doctor’s and lab visits when you are not in the hospital. You can also choose a co-pay – the amount you will pay toward each of these out-patient care types.
- Pre-Existing conditions: Right now, your health insurance cannot be raised because you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes. This may change, if newer laws are passed. You need to stay on top of any changes that are made.
Health insurance is really not an option. You can never know when and illness or an accident will befall you. Not only will you have medical bills, but you may be laid up for a while and unable to work. You may want to also consider some type of supplemental insurance that will pay you a daily amount during the course of your inability to work.
There are also disability policies that some freelancers buy. While they are expensive, they can provide an income if you suffer a longer-term situation and are unable to work. Most pay between 60-80% of your average income over the past three years at the time of purchase.
Do not ignore the need for health insurance. Analyze you needs and buy accordingly. Not having health insurance should not be an option.
