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How to tell if you need an interpreter
or a translator.
When approaching a translation company with a request for the
first time, it can be difficult to make clear and understand
your own needs. A professional translation agency often has a
FAQ section on its website or web pages that explain the main
branches of language services. One important question is the
difference between interpreting and translating.
Both involve transferring the meaning from one language to another,
or into a few languages. Translation describes the written form
and is used mostly on documents. Interpreting is an oral activity.
It often occurs in conferences, business meetings, courts, etc.
Although this difference can seem easy to understand, we must
bear in mind that every project is unique. Sometimes both these
activities can take place. For example, in the case of a medical
conference, a multilingual member of staff might be needed in
order to answer queries. Interpreters will be hired in order
to allow foreign speakers and their audience to understand each
other. It might also be necessary to translate some of the content
of the website and the registration pack sent out. At the end
of the conference the acts could be translated and made available
to the public.
As you can see, these services involve multilingual staff, interpreters
and translators. All need to have a specific field knowledge
in the branch of medicine. A professional
translation company boasts an updated database of linguists. These will all have
relevant training. The company will also have multilingual in-house
staff. They will take care to find the most suitable people matching
your requirements, since knowing another language and culture
gives them an edge to assess foreign qualifications and education.
Finally, your project manager will be happy to discuss your needs
and requirements in order to find the most suitable solution
for you. Knowing the difference between translation and interpreting
is the first step when entering the world of foreign languages.
However you should still rely on a trustworthy language business
for consulting and obtaining the best services.
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Interpreting
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