In Turkish a single word is used most of the time for two separate professions. Yet the person who translates written text and the person who conveys speech in a meeting differ in the way they work, in their tools and in their competences. When this distinction is not known, the wrong service is requested.
Definition
A "mütercim" (translator) translates written text, a "tercüman" (interpreter) translates speech. They are two separate professions. The distinction arises from the medium.
The confusion in everyday language
In common usage both are called "tercüman" (interpreter). This produces confusion at the request stage. Clarification is needed.
The difference in time pressure
Interpreting is instantaneous and there is no going back. In written translation there is the chance to correct. The difference is fundamental.
The difference in tools
In written translation, memory and terminology tools are used. In interpreting, preparation notes are used. The infrastructure is different.
Access to resources
In written translation, dictionaries and sources can be consulted. In interpreting this possibility does not exist. Preparation is brought forward.
Permanence of the product
A written translation is a permanent document and is examined afterwards. Interpreting stays in the moment. The form of responsibility changes.
The possibility of review
A written translation can be reviewed by a second person. In interpreting this step does not exist. Quality assurance is set up differently.
The skills do not overlap
A good translator may not be a good interpreter. The skills develop separately. No assumption is made.
Routes of training
At universities the two fields run with separate curricula. Specialisation begins at undergraduate level. The distinction is institutional.
Which one for corporate work
Contract, report and technical document jobs are translator's work. The request is made accordingly. A wrong request produces delay.
The need for meetings
A face-to-face meeting or a presentation needs a separate service and a separate person. It is not expected of the written translation team. The planning is done separately.
The difference in pricing
Written translation is calculated by character or word, interpreting by time. The units cannot be compared. The quote is requested separately.
The concept of delivery
In a written job what is delivered is a file. In an interpreting job the service is consumed on the spot. The record is arranged separately.
Scope of responsibility
In written translation an error can be identified and corrected afterwards. This changes the scope of responsibility. The contract is written accordingly.
Subject specialisation in common
Both professions require subject expertise. Knowledge of law or medicine is common to both. This is where the common ground lies.
Combined in the same person
Some people do both jobs. This is not an automatic competence. Experience is asked about separately.
Clarity when writing the request
The job request states clearly whether it is written or spoken. This single sentence speeds up the process. Clarity saves time.
In-house naming
Organisations use the right term in their purchasing documents. The wrong term goes to the wrong supplier. A standard is established.
Professional bodies
There are separate professional bodies and separate codes of ethics for the two fields. This distinction is accepted within the profession itself as well. The structure is established.
What it is confused with
Translator and interpreter are often taken to be two names for the same profession. Yet their ways of working, their tools and their pricing units are different; looking for an interpreter for a written document delays the right service.