What is the Difference Between a Translator and an Interpreter

Many clients contact interpreters saying that they're want to hire an experienced and professional translator for business purposes or foreign tours, in fact, they're looking for an interpreter.

Most of the time clients call interpreters when they don't need an interpreter, they're actually looking for a translator because they're unaware of the difference between a translator and an interpreter.

Some of the people involved in the study of language understand well the difference between a translator and an interpreter, but many of the people don't know the difference in both.

To clear your confusion we explain this in the easiest words to remember the difference between these two is that a translator responsible for writing purposes like email your documents to clients or translate documents one language to another in written foam.

An interpreter is responsible for communication with clients in business deals or at foreign tours in that country where people can't understand your language.

Let's discuss some similarities and differences between a translator and an interpreter to clear your confusion.

Translators and Interpreters Similarities

• Both the translators and the interpreters are expert in the original language in which they are working and languages people demand most like English or Spanish.
• Both the translators and the interpreters only work into their mother tongue (the exception to this rule is a Liaison Interpreter).
• Both the translators and the interpreters create convenience for the clients by converting the documents into their official language.
• Both the translators and the interpreters are highly and professionally qualified.
• Both the translators and the interpreters are linguists.

Translators and Interpreters Differences

• A translator is helpful in sent emails or writing skills. An interpreter is helpful in communicating with clients and foreign tourists. 
• A translator charges a fee per word, paragraph, per page, per hour or per day according to his or her requirements. On the other hand, an interpreter charges a fee per hour or per day. 
• An interpreter requires a license for communication in hospitals, police, court issues and other important fields. But on the other hand, a translator only required writing skills.
• A translator can use dictionaries to solve problems during writing documents but an interpreter has no choice, he or she must be proficient in conversation. 
• The tools both translators and interpreters are use different. A translator use CAT tools (Assisted Translation or Computer-Aided), dictionaries and computers; whereas an interpreter use headphones and a microphone in a booth or a notepad and pen for taking notes.