Translation vs Interpreting: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?

How many times have you heard or said “translator” when it was actually an interpreter? The confusion between translation and interpreting is quite persistent.

People often confuse these two terms and use them interchangeably, but they actually refer to distinct professions.

Translation vs Interpreting: Understanding Key Differences

By definition, translation is the process of “transposing a written text from one language to another, conveying the message as faithfully as possible”¹, while interpretation is a “language activity consisting of rendering, orally, in a given language, what was communicated in another language”².

The common denominator between the two is the transfer between two languages, whether signed, spoken, or written. However, for everything else, they are two distinct processes. Indeed, ensuring clear and accurate communication starts with understanding the key differences between translation and interpretation. While both play a vital role in language accessibility, they require different skills, tools, and approaches.

Translation focuses on written content, allowing time for precision and refinement, while interpretation happens in real-time, demanding quick thinking and adaptability. Translators work primarily in one direction, into their native language, while sign language interpreters must be fluent in both working languages to facilitate seamless two-way communication on the spot. To give you a clearer picture, the table below highlights the main distinctions between these two essential services.

Although these professions are distinct in many ways, they both require in-depth intercultural skills and a mastery of working languages to faithfully convey the meaning of texts or speeches.

Why Knowing the Difference Matter?

Knowing the difference between sign language interpreting and translation isn’t just about getting the terminology right. It’s about making sure communication is truly accessible for Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals. These roles often look interchangeable at first, but getting them right makes all the difference in accessibility.

It might seem like common sense, but the distinction is more important than people realize. if you hire a translator for a live event instead of an interpreter, Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing participants won’t have real-time access to the conversation. On the other hand, expecting an interpreter to provide signed or written translations of complex documents or video captions could result in inaccuracies, as interpreting is designed for live communication, not static text.

Different situations call for different expertise. In healthcare, legal, and educational settings, using the wrong service can create confusion, limit access, and even lead to serious consequences. Making the right choice isn’t just a technicality, it’s a matter of inclusion, equity, and respect.

Translation and Interpreting International Standards

Even international standards emphasize how distinct translation and interpreting services are  with each their own ISO standards^3,4, highlighting their fundamental differences in practice and expertise. So, by understanding the distinction, we ensure that Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals receive the full and equitable access they deserve.

ASL-English Interpreting Services

To book ASl-English interpreter(s), you can get in touch with different interpreting agencies such as :

• ASL Interpreting Services (Quebec)
• Choice of Interpreters (Alberta)
• Convo Communications Canada (British Columbia)
• ECCOE (Manitoba)
• Still Interpreting (British Columbia)

You can also find several freelance interpreters directly through the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters’ directory.

LSQ-French Interpreting Services

For your French-LSQ interpreting needs, you can reach out to Service d’interprétation visuelle et tactile (SIVET).

ASL and LSQ Translation Services

If you need ASL and LSQ translation services, check out our blog “I need to have a text translated. How does it work?”.

To get a translation quote, you can email us at tra@eversa.co or fill out the online form.

References:

1. Qu’est-ce que la traduction?, département de linguistique et de traduction, Université de Montréal.
2. Interprétation, Grand dictionnaire terminologique, Office québécois de la langue française.
3. ISO 18841:2018 Interpreting services — General requirements and recommendations
4. ISO 17100:2015 Translation services — Requirements for translation services