Interpreter vs. Translator: Why the Difference Matters
Many organizations rely on language services to communicate across global or multilingual audiences. Yet, even seasoned professionals sometimes use the terms “interpreter” and “translator” interchangeably, without realizing they represent two very different skill sets. Interpreters work in spoken contexts—think of live events, video calls, and on-the-spot discussions—while translators convert written text from one language to another with painstaking attention to detail. Confusing one for the other can result in misaligned expectations, budget overruns, or serious misunderstandings. This post explains how interpreters differ from translators, why it matters for businesses and community services, and which scenarios call for the distinct talents each profession provides.