What is the difference between a translator and an interpreter?
- Stéphanie Berton
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Are you an English-speaking expat in France?
You are far from mastering the French language, and yet, you need to deal with French professionals or neighbors regarding important issues?
Do you really need a translator? Do you really need a sworn translator?
Have you ever heard about interpreters?
What is the difference?
Both are linguistics experts, but their work modalities vary and they are used for different reasons.
Here is a well-explained article from Kent State University:
"Translation and interpreting are needed to enable communication between cultures and across languages. In a world where communication is key, it is necessary to use the help of interpreters and translators to effectively communicate.
Although interpreters and translators have similarities, interpreting and translation involve different skill sets. Interpreters mediate languages orally while translators work with written material. [...]
Interpreters need to optimize their working memory in rendering content much more quickly and with no extensive access to external resources for support. [...]
On a general level, the difference between interpretation and translation is that interpretation deals with spoken language in real-time while translation focuses on written content. Another difference is that translation happens over a period of time with extensive access to external resources, compared to interpretation which occurs on the spot during a live scenario. [...]"
When do you need a translator?
- To translate an official document (birth/marriage certificate) for French administration
- A website or any personal written documents you would like to keep in your archives
- You buy a house and need the sales papers to be in your native language to fully understand the extent of your commitment, rights, and obligations
Be aware that a sworn translator is required for French administration (visa, Code de la route test...).
When do you need an interpreter?
"Interpretation deals with spoken language in real-time"
- You receive a letter in French (from CPAM or ANEF...), you do not understand what it means. An interpreter can orally tell you what it says.
- You visit a house or an apartment, and you need an interpreter to be the linguistic middleman between you and the realtor
The same goes for medical or French administration appointments.
If you are in need of an interpreter, contact me at your convenience.
Native French - Dual Franco-American citizenship
My education: B.A. in Foreign Languages (English) and M.A. in French.
My career:
French professor - California community college
Writer - French daily newspaper, French tourism book, business marketing
I also offer other French language services for English-speaking expats:
- French language assessment
- French as a Foreign Language (FLE) classes
- Writing services (administration...)
- Help with daily life needs (buying a car, renting a place, finding a doctor, setting up an appointment, helping you fill out forms...)
Diligent - Quick communication - Efficient
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