Week 1 – Discussion Board 2

[Art Liebl]

In at least 250 words, think about the difference between an interpreter and translator. What are the biggest differences? What are the challenges of each? Why is it important to understand that an interpreter is not a translator? Reply to two fellow students by Monday.

[Johana Colon]

A lot of people think interpreters and translators do the same thing, but they’re actually very different. The biggest difference is that interpreters work with spoken language, while translators work with written language. So, if someone is speaking another language and you need help understanding them in real time, you’d need an interpreter. But if you have a document in another language that needs to be translated into English, that’s a job for a translator.

Each role comes with its own challenges. Interpreters have to think and speak quickly. They’re listening, processing, and repeating information almost at the same time, and there’s no room to pause or go back. That can be stressful—especially in medical settings where the information is sensitive or urgent. Interpreters also have to deal with different accents, emotions, and even cultural differences, all while staying accurate.

Translators, on the other hand, have more time to do their work. They can use dictionaries or double-check meanings, but that doesn’t mean it’s easier. They have to be super precise and make sure the tone and message of the original text comes through clearly in the translation. It’s not just about changing words—it’s about understanding the whole meaning.

It’s really important to know the difference between the two. Hiring the wrong person for a situation can lead to miscommunication, especially in serious areas like healthcare or legal settings. Understanding the unique skills of interpreters and translators helps everyone communicate more effectively and respectfully.

[Art Liebl]

Hi Johana! Great answer to the question! You are correct. Interpreters and translators are two completely different things.. I think you got the point. As you stated, an interpreter “needs to think quickly and accurately.” According to the manual, “an interpreter also is one who explains the meaning of – an interpreter is one who presents something spoken in understandable terms.” Of course, this does not mean we can adulterate the original message by adding or omitting to the original message. Another point to consider – interpreters need to convey not only the spoken message but also the feelings and emotions behind the words. This is a challenge – let’s demonstrate it in this way: I am sure you have all been to the doctors…Imagine you are with a physician and a “Mrs. Perez.” The doctor asks the patient how she is as he continues typing on his computer. With tears in her eyes, the patient responds, “I’m fine” (Estoy bien). You, as the interpreter need to give the physician the whole and complete picture of what was said. You need to convey, not just the content “I am fine”, but more importantly transmit the emotions behind the spoken words…THAT IS A CHALLENGE! We are not cold translators…we are indeed interpreters who “explain the meaning”! Never forget this!

Question for the class: how would you give the words, “I’m fine” the emotional color necessary to impart to the provider the way it was said? This expression, “I’m fine” can be said in a wide array of manners…from happy to sleepy, to sad, to sarcastic… How do we deal with these varying feelings and emotions in the way we interpret them?

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