The dictionary tells us that “translate” is a verb and means to change from one language into another or form or medium into another, essentially making sense of a language.
On the other hand, “interpret” is similar yet different. The primary definition is to make sense of, assign meaning to, or explain something.
Understanding this distinction is crucial when speaking to an international audience. Let me share a few examples from my experiences that might help you navigate this unique dynamic.
Learning from Professional Interpreters
While working with a large sales company, I developed a close relationship with several professional interpreters. As I often advise, I interviewed them to understand their craft better. They shared, “Patricia, translating documents is one part of our job. However, real skills come in when interpreting live for a speaker. When we interpret, we are acting out the stories. That means the international audience might not hear word-for-word what the speaker says, but they get the essence.”
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