Interpretation:
* Focus: Interpretation is the oral process of conveying meaning between two or more languages in real-time.
* Mode: Interpretation typically involves spoken language, sometimes with the aid of visual aids.
* Consecutive Interpretation: The interpreter listens to a speaker, takes notes, and then delivers the message in the target language.
* Simultaneous Interpretation: The interpreter listens to the speaker and simultaneously speaks the translation into the target language.
* Examples: Conferences, meetings, court hearings, phone calls.
Translation:
* Focus: Translation is the written process of converting text from one language to another.
* Mode: Translation deals with written text, including documents, books, websites, etc.
* Process: Translators typically work with a source text, analyze its meaning, and produce a written translation in the target language.
* Examples: Books, articles, websites, legal documents, software interfaces.
In summary:
* Interpretation: Oral, real-time, spoken language.
* Translation: Written, delayed, written text.
Overlap:
It's important to note that there is some overlap between the two. For example, a translator might need to interpret a spoken conversation to accurately translate a document. Similarly, an interpreter might need to consult written materials to understand complex concepts during a presentation.
In short, interpretation is about translating spoken language, while translation is about converting written text.