Is there such a thing as a translation?
"Translation is impossible" according to Ortega y Gasset, a modern-day Spanish thinker. Yet, if different nations and cultures had not communicated their knowledge and experiences to one another across language barriers, civilization would be inconceivable. Ortega y Gasset's words underscore the difficulties of the task. Hence, the importance of expert translation.
Is it interpreting or translating?
Technically, translation refers to transferring ideas expressed in writing from one language to another, whereas interpreting consists of transferring ideas expressed orally from one language to another.
Notwithstanding the fact that the bench and bar, as well as the general public, often use the terms interchangeably, there are significant differences between translation and interpreting and the skill sets required for each.
The skill set required for translation of written documents primarily involves reading and writing skills. Interpreters rely on their listening comprehension and public speaking skills.
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