Both are language specialists and should be knowledgeable in the subject matter at hand. Good writing and research skills are vital for translators, just as good analytical skills and speaking ability are crucial for interpreters. Translators can produce idiomatically correct, accurate work more quickly and easily when translating into their native language. Some translators have lived in another country so long that they have achieved a high level of competence in the new language, and prefer to work into it. This language becomes their dominant language.
Some translators claim to be bilingual, to have grown up with two equally developed languages.
It is well to be skeptical of such statements until they are proven. This style of interpreting is most often referred to as consecutive interpreting and is applicable for most medical, legal and general business settings. This type of interpreting involves the rental of a specialized audio system with headsets for the audience and a soundproof booth for the team of interpreters. Because of the high stress of their work, conference interpreters prefer to work from the foreign language into their native language, and should work in teams of two switching off frequently. The client has the choice of working with an individual or a company for their foreign-language needs.