As a consumer, it is a good idea to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible about the translation and interpretation industry so that you can chose the individual or company that best fits your needs. Just as with any other field of business, the elements of trust, reliability, and performance are of major importance. By establishing a relationship with proven individuals or companies, rather than trying to find the cheapest company every time you need work done, you can look forward to a successful long-term partnership. This information is presented to help educate prospective clients about the translation and interpretation industry and to smooth the way to a satisfying experience for all involved parties. The terms translator and interpreter are commonly confused, but the distinction between the two is quite simple.
Translators work with written material and interpreters render spoken communication.
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.