top of page

Translation and interpretation; proofreading and copy editing



Google translator icon


Translation and interpreting; proofreading and copy editing - differences, explanations, examples. What are the differences between translating and interpreting, what is involved in proofreading and copy editing? Read on and you will find the answers.


There are many implications under the term translation, and the word 'translation' alone is too general to decide what type of translation we might need in a given situation.

The essential meaning of the word 'translation' is to translate from one language into another. Of course, translation is not a word-for-word rendition, because in that case the meaning and message of the whole text could simply be lost.

The translator must be fluent in both languages to which the translation relates before starting the work. Before starting work, it is essential to understand the meaning of the text, its message, who it is written for, what its purpose is and what style the text is written in (whether it is slang or perhaps a typically technical text ( which is barely understandable to those outside the area of expertise)).


Translations are generally divided into written translations and oral translations, which in turn are divided into sub-groups.



English language dictionary - the term "translation"


Written translation

Translations are generally divided into uncertified and certified translations - although both types of translation should be carried out by experts in their area of expertise, with appropriate training and experience.



Certified translation

Certified, or sworn, translations can only be carried out by sworn translators. This type of translation is usually required for official texts, court documents, etc., e.g. marriage certificates, summons or other court documents, birth certificates, car documents (translated for official purposes), certificates, permits.

Interestingly, this type of translation can be done by a non-sworn translator, although it must be verified and approved by a sworn translator.


This type of translation is characterised by a fairly high degree of formality, as each page of the translated text is marked with the sworn translator's name seal and the entire translation is entered into the sworn translator's personal repository.


A sworn translator is a person who has passed the state examination. During this examination, the interpreter confirms his/her expertise in the relevant foreign language by performing two written translations and two oral translations, e.g. from Polish into English and vice versa. If the translator passes the examination, he/she is entered in the list of sworn translators (thus remaining at the disposal of the state authorities), receives his/her seal and becomes a fully-fledged representative of the public trust profession.



Translator working at a computer


Uncertified translation

Non-certified translations are translations of texts that do not require the authentication of a sworn translator. Texts of this type include, for example: marketing content, websites, literary or academic texts.

Notably, this type of translation does not differ in substance from sworn translations - the only difference is the lack of legal certification. It should be noted that an uncertified translation is in no way less important or less valuable than a sworn translation.



Machine translation

Machine translation, is nothing more than a translation done by specialised AI software ('machine'), such as Google translator. Although such translation tempts with its simplicity of operation, speed of translation and price (it is free), it has certain imperfections that require the text to be checked by a person familiar with the language. This type of translation should not be put on a par with a translation done by a specialist (although there are cases where this type of translation is sufficient).

 


Specialised translation

Specialised translations are translations done as above by a translator, albeit one who specialises in a particular field. It is a rather directional translation that requires specialised and in-depth knowledge of a particular field.

This type of translation can include technical, medical or scientific translations.






Interpreter at work


Oral translation

Interpreting is a type of linguistic translation that is characterised by translating, usually, spoken or written words live, then speaking the translation aloud. In this respect, the interpreter must not only possess extraordinary linguistic expertise, but also a developed short-term memory, adequate diction and resistance to stress.



Consecutive interpreting

Consecutive interpreting is a type of interpreting usually used during presentations, speeches or conferences. This type of interpreting is characterised by a fixed format - the speaker makes a statement and then the interpreter translates the speaker's words, and so on alternately: the speaker speaks, the interpreter translates....

Often in this type of interpreting, when the speaker speaks continuously for a long period of time, the interpreter keeps "quick notes" of the words spoken and tries to translate the most important information and the key message (the substance).



Simultaneous interpreting

Simultaneous interpretation, known as simultaneous interpreting, is nothing more than interpreting at the same time. The speaker and the interpreter speak at the same time, usually the speaker and the interpreter are not in contact with each other - the interpreter, equipped with headphones and a microphone, sits in a special booth and translates (into the microphone) the words spoken by the speaker in real time.

This type of interpreting is extremely demanding and exhausting, making few interpreters able to cope with such a challenge at a high level. Due to the exhausting nature of interpreting, interpreters work in shifts, swapping positions every 15-30 minutes or so of continuous interpreting.



Whispered interpreting

Such interpreting is similar in form to simultaneous interpreting, although in this case (without a headset) the interpreter sits close to the people for whom the interpreting is being done and whispers the interpretation.



Liaison interpreting

Liaison interpreting is "sentence-by-sentence interpreting." The speaker speaks one or two sentences, pauses so that the interpreter can translate his or her words, then the speaker continues speaking - and so on alternately. This type of interpreting is usually used in situations that require a high level of detail in the translation (e.g. hearings during a court hearing, or police interrogations).



A vista interpreting

Interpreting a vista, i.e. interpreting a written text. The interpreter receives the text and then has to translate it. Usually, the interpreter has no contact with the text before interpreting, making this a demanding type of interpreting, as the interpreter has to match the nature of the written statement. This type of translation is usually used with a notary public or in court.




proofreader at work

Copy editing

Copy editing is one of the final stages of working on a text, practically speaking it is the penultimate stage. The main idea of copy editing is to "polish" the final version of the text, albeit in such a way as to retain the author's original thought and voice/style.

The person responsible for this stage of the work on the text is the copy editor and he or she deals with identifying and making corrections to the text. These corrections include, but are not limited to: grammar, spelling, punctuation, typos, style and tone of expression, sentences that are too long and long-winded, clumsy transitions, confusing syntax, problematic or misused words.

On completion of this stage, the text should be coherent, logical and be in line (style and tone) with the objectives of the type of publication.



Proofreading

Proofreading is the final stage of work on a text (after copy editing and before publication). The proof-reader's job is to perform a final (technical) check of the text (taking into account grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalisation, but also formatting and layout on the page). In addition, the proof-reader is concerned with correcting formatting errors on the page, which may or may not include, for example, inconsistent headings and subheadings; page numbering and divisions; placement of visual elements (e.g., table, chart), and other formatting elements.

Once the proof-reader has completed its work, we are assured that the text to be published meets the appropriate linguistic standards.





Summarising

Whether we are talking about translation or interpreting, proofreading or copy-editing, it is important to bear in mind that each type of translation requires in-depth knowledge of at least two languages, and often expertise that goes beyond linguistic/language issues.


The type of translation you want to use should be chosen according to your needs (whether or not you need an official certification, or maybe a cursory machine translation is all you need).








 

P.S. If you need a translation or proofreading/copy editing service, please contact us and find out about our translation and other language services.


0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Join the Club

Subscribe to our email list and get access to exclusive offers, news and more!

Welcome to the club!

bottom of page