There seems to be a great deal of confusion regarding two terms: Translation and Interpretation. Whether it is sign language or a foreign language, translating and interpreting can be regarded as two sides of the same coin- both serving the same purpose with the basic difference being the medium of communication.

Translators are the ones who use the written format and it is mandatory for them to have excellent analyzing abilities and strong roots in grammar, as they are required to render documents from one language to another. However compared to an interpreter, these lots are bestowed with the privilege to take their time and analyze a document before converting it into another language. But this very fact makes it compulsory for a translator to posses impeccable writing skill as well.

For companies that require contracts to be looked over in another language a Translation company is an excellent place to go.  If you want to make sure that an important contract needs to be looked over by a fine comb, then this type service would provide more time and accuracy for your organization.  Other organizations that benefit from this type of agency are government and large corporations.

Interpreters on the other hand use the oral medium as their mode of communication. Whether it is sign language or a foreign language, these people convert live conversation-it is an ongoing process. Interpreters thus need to have mental adroitness and a nearly photographic memory, as well as strong analytical and research skills. Interpreters can be of two categories-the simultaneous interpreter and the consecutive interpreter.

Simultaneous interpreters as the name suggests are those who keep translating as the speaker talks. Due to the high degree of concentration this job demands these interpreters often work in pairs for twenty minute segments. This is a niche area of work and these interpreters usually hold International level position within an organization.

A consecutive interpreter on the other hand allows the speaker to talk a few sentences, or a paragraph, and then communicates it. Consecutive interpreters often take short-hand notes while listening.  A consecutive interpreter is usually requested in case of a one-on-one communication.

Interpreter Services are in demand these days.  Apart from being of great help to the hearing impaired, many sectors with target audience speaking heterogeneous languages are increasingly using these services. One such industry is the health industry where doctors and nurses are today able to offer their services to patients of different countries and languages. Government and large corporate organizations are also yielding benefit from these services.

So now you know whether to go to a translator or an interpreter the next time you need to have a document translated or communicate to an individual, who does not understand your language. At TranslationArtwork.com our translation team is ready for any kind of translation assignments.