What's the Difference?

In our early days, a client approached us and asked how much we would charge to translate during a meeting with his mother's physician. When we told him we don't currently offer this service, he said we are "misleading our client base." I had to talk with him and explain the difference between a translator and an interpreter.

So, what is the actual difference?

A translator works with the written word. A translator will work with written source materials, such as a picture, a page from a notebook, a Word document, PDFs, and more, and will create an identical or similar in meaning (and on that in the next post), copy of the source while following the specific rules of the translation field. For example, if there is a signature in the source file, a translator will note its presence at the corresponding location in the translated file.

The translator has the privilege of time and the ability to work and compare the two files, to make sure they are accurate and keep the meaning (that's in a nutshell). They have the time and opportunity to consult with others to make sure they use the correct terminology. Also, a translator can handle most fields and choose what he is capable of translating.

Now let's imagine this...

You are a new immigrant in a country, let's say an Israeli who immigrated to the USA. You know English, and it's pretty good for that matter. You receive an email from your son's teacher about a parent-teacher conference at school, and you are excited to hear and meet the team. But when you sit across from the teachers, they speak fast, and you are trying to catch up. You keep asking them to slow down and explain all the terms they are using in math and science, and then you say, "I don't know how to say it in English...". The meeting has ended, and you leave feeling unsure whether your son is succeeding, and where his strengths and weaknesses lie. You are frustrated and angry with yourself for moving here if you can't speak English.

ow imagine the same situation, but when you have another person in the meeting, who was once a teacher and has a high proficiency in both languages.

That is precisely what an interpreter does. An interpreter works with spoken language, usually in a live setting. For example, when you see the sign language interpreter in concerts, or in the court where an interpreter will be required when a defendant or witness does not speak the local language, or when they feel more comfortable giving their testimony in their native language.

Due to the simultaneous nature of the process, since it's a live conversation, meeting, or conference (and any other live setting), the interpreter must not only be highly proficient in both languages but also preferably proficient in the subject matter.

You do not want an interpreter who is also an attorney with you at the doctor's office. He doesn't know all the medical terminology, and in spoken language, every word is essential.

An interpreter cannot rewind the speaker; he must not only retain the information but also be able to express it in the target language.

These days, D.O.L. Group works closely with interpreters around the 50 states. Feel free to reach out to us for a quote for the service (we need at least 4 business days' notice)

And for dessert, let's finish with a true story that will explain the importance of a competent and trained interpreter.

A True Story: The $71 million mistake

In 1980, 18-year-old Willie Ramirez was admitted to a Florida hospital in a comatose state. His friends and family tried to describe his condition to the paramedics and doctors who treated him, but they only spoke Spanish. The translation was provided by a bilingual staff member who translated "intoxicado" as "intoxicated." A professional interpreter would have known that "intoxicado" is closer to "poisoned" and doesn't carry the same connotations of drug or alcohol use that "intoxicated" does. Ramirez's family believed he was suffering from food poisoning. He was suffering from an intracerebral hemorrhage, but the doctors proceeded as if he were suffering from an intentional drug overdose, which can lead to some of the symptoms he displayed. Because of the delay in treatment, Ramirez was left quadriplegic. He received a malpractice settlement of $71 million.

You are welcome to read in-depth about the Willi Ramirez story at this link