As a soon to be graduate of the Spanish translation program here on campus I thought I would take the time to educate the student body about the difference between a translator and an interpreter.
After reading “On a mission of comfort (7/21),” I was slightly bothered by the fact that the author used the term “translator” throughout the entire article.
Most of you out there probably didn’t even notice and probably don’t care, but after spending several years studying translation and interpretation I can tell you they are not the same thing.
The difference is quite simple: translators write and interpreters speak.
They both work with languages and help facilitate communication between languages and cultures, but their tasks are quite different and require unique skill sets and talents.
Now, the next time someone says “translator” when they really should be saying “interpreter,” you can kindly correct them and explain the difference.
Skylar Rackham
Perry
