Translators do the writing. Interpreters do the talking. Find the right language professional for your job!

Translators do the writing

Translators work with the written word, converting text from a source language into a target language. This is far more than replacing one word with another. The translator must also convey the style, tone, and intent of the text, while taking into account differences of culture and dialect.

Often, the finished document should read as if it had originally been written in the target language for the target audience. But this is not always the case. Highly specialized content may require the translator to retain elements of the source language culture in the target language translation. A professional translator will have the expertise to know the best approach for the translation.

Translators usually work in one direction

Some translators may be able to understand several different source languages, but in general they have just one target language—typically their native language.

Good writers in their native languages

Translators not only understand the source language but also write extremely well in the target language.

Often specialize by subject areas

Like many professional writers, translators specialize in certain subject areas, such as law, medicine, business, banking, technology, and science. Specialization requires an in-depth knowledge of the subject and its terminology in both the source and target languages

Different methods for establishing fees

Some translators price their work based on the number of words in the source language, others charge by the number of words in the target language. Some base their fees on hourly estimates. When you need a fast turnaround on a translation project, ask the translator if he or she would be willing to work longer hours for an extra fee, frequently called "rush" charges.

Rates vary by specialty and language

Rates also vary by specialty and language. In general, translating a local news article will cost less than a technical document, while an English-into-Spanish translation will usually cost less than an English-into-Chinese translation of the same document.

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Interpreters do the talking

Interpreters work with the spoken word, converting speech from a source language into a target language. This is far more than speaking two languages fluently. The interpreter must also communicate the style and tone of the speaker, while taking into account differences of culture, dialect, and setting. The listeners should hear the interpreted message as if it had been originally spoken in their own language.

Interpreters usually work in two directions

Most interpreters work bi-directionally, meaning that an interpreter often works both to and from the target and source languages.

Good speakers in their native languages

Interpreters not only understand the source language but also communicate extremely well in the target language.

The setting determines the method of interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting

Simultaneous interpreting requires the interpreter to listen and comprehend in one language (source) while "simultaneously" providing an interpretation in a second language (target).

Settings for simultaneous interpreting include court proceedings, international meetings, television news broadcasts, and press conferences. The sessions at the United Nations are the most commonly recognized use of simultaneous interpreting.

Consecutive interpreting

Consecutive interpreting requires the interpreter to hear several complete sentences in one language (source) before the speaker stops to allow the interpreter to provide an interpretation in a second language (target).

Settings for consecutive interpreting include small meetings, person-to-person communication, and question-and-answer sessions, such as attorney-client interviews and physician-patient encounters.

Often specialize by subject areas

Interpreters often specialize in certain subject areas, such as law, medicine, business, banking, technology, science, and literature. Specialization requires an in-depth knowledge of the subject and its terminology in both the source and target languages

One common requirement

To perform effectively and accurately, interpreters must be able to hear the speaker clearly. It is also helpful—and preferable—if the interpreter can see the speaker.

Usually paid by the job

Interpreters set their rates by the length of the job—hourly, half day, or full day. If you need an interpreter for an entire day, be sure to specify whether the day is 7, 8, or more hours.

Can't a computer do all this? Learn when to use Google Translate and when to hire a professional.

Machine translation (MT) is the use of automated software that translates text without human involvement. Adaptive MT is a technology that learns and adjusts in real-time from human feedback.

MT is based on probability—not meaning. It doesn’t understand the meaning or the context of what it’s translating. MT guesses the most likely translation so, if you cannot read both languages, you will never know if it guessed correctly.

MT may produce fluent results, but fluency is not accuracy. Just because it looks right doesn't mean it is right.

While machine translation may save time and money, human translators are essential when the message needs to be accurate.

When to use machine translation

Generic MT services such as Google Translate, DeepL, or Microsoft Bing Translator can be excellent tools for gaining an approximate idea of what a foreign-language communication says.

For the casual user, "getting the gist" of the message may be helpful for ordering at a restaurant abroad or receiving messages from a foreign Airbnb host.

Customizable MT services can be trained to improve accuracy of terminology within a specific field such as medical, legal, finance, etc.

The output can be more reliable, especially if the original texts were prepped with relatively short sentences or very controlled terminology. However, post-editing by a professional translator will be required, unless errors and non-idiomatic style can be tolerated.

Caution: It may not be confidential

Content that is translated by free online MT services may be stored and analyzed to improve their results. If you are considering using an MT service, review the terms and conditions to ensure your data remains confidential.

When NOT to use machine translation

If the law, a life, or your bottom line is involved, relying on MT can have disastrous consequences.

The choice between MT and human translation depends on the kind of text you need translated and how important accuracy is to you, your company, and your customers.

With the right process in place, functional texts in common language combinations will yield adequate results by using a combination of MT and human post-editing.

Creative texts should be translated by a human. MT will not be able to render style, nuance, or idiomatic expressions.

Poor translation can be embarrassing or even disastrous for your business—endangering customers and putting your company at risk for lawsuits.

To explore this topic further, read ESTO's Position Paper on Machine Translation: A Clear Approach to a Complex Topic.