By Arnab Dey
People often use Transcription and Translation interchangeably. This is because both terms have three syllables. It starts with the prefix ‘Trans’ and ends with the suffix ‘ion.’ These two share similarities that make people believe that they are the same.
However, they are not.
You don’t have to feel ashamed because you used them interchangeably. You are not alone!
If you search Google about the difference between Transcription and Translation, you are likely to come across several results talking about complex DNA and gene sequencing.
But we are not talking about that.
We are talking about the words, what they mean and how they are used in the language.
So, let us break it down for you.
What Is Translation?
The translation is the process of taking a piece of audio or text and converting it into other languages. It is that simple. The translation is important for businesses when they want to expand their business to a foreign land.
The translation is important for all sorts of reasons. While businesses use it to target different lingual audiences, it can also be used while researching for information.
For instance, you are doing a project. You found high-quality sources. But, the resource is in the Italian language. For you to understand that resource and use it as reference material, you need to understand what it’s all about. This is where you can use translation to convert the language into the language you understand.
What Is Transcription?
Transcription involves taking audio and video files and converting them into text. The text is in the same language that the original speaker used.
Perhaps an example will help you better understand what transcription is all about.
Imagine that you are a journalist and have conducted dozens of interviews. Now all the interviews are either in the form of audio or video, and you want to write an article and quote the exact same word they use. This is where you will look for a transcription service provider to convert the interview into a written format.
Translation Vs. Transcription
If you have read the definition, you will find that transcription and translation both share similarities. They both ensure a high degree of accuracy, maintain the correctness of the information with the original form of content and convert them into text format.
In fact, both involve written documents as an output, which brings them even closer.
However, there are a few key differences that separate the two concepts.
After knowing the differences, you would have noticed that the primary difference between transcription and translation involves the conversion materials. For instance, transcription involves the source language, but translation involves a more complex process.
In addition, with translation, the translator isn’t’ exactly recording what’s shared. Instead, they simply take the information and use the best means to convey it to other audiences.
At times, this also means forging the literal translation in favoring a translation that is contextually correct. This is because not all words and phrases have a direct translation in other languages. So the translators have to factor in these changes when converting the material.
Translation Vs. Transcription: What Do You Need?
Whether you need translation or transcription depends on your end goal. Both offer the same services. The only difference is the converting process from different materials.
If you have audio or video and want the content to convert into the text format for your article, transcription is the best fit for you. A transcriber will record exactly what the original content contains and provide you with an accurate written record.
However, if you have written records of things that you would want to convert into different languages, you need a translation. A translator will review your content, understand what it means, and craft an accurately written document in a different language.
Why Do You Need Them?
In this day and age, we have broadened our mindset and hence our customer funnel. We do not expect only customers who are well-versed in the English language and can hear audio or watch a video.
No matter the community we are targeting, as business owners or website designers, we should be aware of the challenges we might face. This is why you need both translations and transcription based on the situation.
If expansion is your plan, and you wish to cross geographical boundaries, then presenting your website and company in the local language will help to gain brand recognition. On the other hand, if you are uploading videos over any other social media platform, not everyone will have the capability to hear the audio or follow through.
So, having a transcription underneath for these especially challenged individuals will only increase inclusivity for your company.
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