T & I

Sonia mentioned that the difference between translation and interpretation is that translation is written, while interpretation is oral. The way to approach translating a document is to make sure to know specifically what is being translated, for whom the translation is and what purpose it serves. It also depends on the instructions given, for example, if it has to be a transcription or a narrative. As for punctuation, this also depends on the text and who the recipient; the document may be written by a person who does not have a lot of knowledge in writing and so punctuation may not be included. To be a translator, not only do you need skills, you also need personality and be able to know how to write. Sonia stated that a common misunderstanding in translation is that all bilinguals are translators and that is not the case because that does not mean they can adjust to different situations and know what to do. I thought it was interesting that she mentioned the myth that a translator should always translate into their first learned language because I had not heard of it and it makes sense that its wrong because somethings are better said in a different language.