Transcription vs Translation: Similarities & Differences

Imagine trying to understand a foreign language film without subtitles or attempting to capture every word of an important speech without a written record. This is where Transcription and Translation come into play. These processes are pivotal in converting spoken words into written text and translating text between languages, respectively. However, what are the differences between Transcription vs Translation? 

Understanding the differences between Transcription vs Translation is essential for anyone looking to improve communication and accessibility. This blog will guide you through their unique roles, methods, and how they contribute to effective communication across different mediums and languages. 

Table of Contents

1) What is Transcription? 

2) What is Translation? 

3) Difference Between Transcription and Translation

4) How do Transcription and Translation Work?  

5) Translation vs Transcription: Which One Do You Need?

6) Conclusion

What is Transcription? 

Transcription is the process of converting spoken language into written text. It is applicable to various mediums such as audio and video recordings, even live interactions. There are two main types: Verbatim and non-verbatim. 

Verbatim Transcription captures every word exactly as spoken. This comprehensive approach includes all sounds and is essential for full accessibility, particularly for individuals who are Deaf or have hearing difficulties, as it allows complete participation in video content. 

Non-verbatim Transcription involves the content to highlight the main points. This can be practical for certain situations. However, it may not provide the same level of accessibility as Verbatim Transcriptions.

What is Translation? 

Translation is the process of converting spoken text from one language to another. It expands the video's appeal to wider audiences. There are several platforms that offer various methods for sharing Translations. This includes on-screen captions or subtitles for real-time viewing, or over-dubbing recordings to allow viewers to hear audio in their native language. Real-time Translation options extend to live communications like conference calls and seminars.  

Multilingual Translations can surely enhance the reach of your video. This enables brands to connect with diverse global audiences. Investing in Translations not only boosts visibility but also supports international customers and employees. As remote work becomes more prevalent, translated communications facilitate effective and equitable interactions across regions and departments. 

Difference Between Transcription and Translation 

Translation and Transcription might seem similar, and in some ways, they are. Both focus on accuracy and aim to keep the original meaning intact. Plus, they both produce written documents. But despite these similarities, they are quite different.

The biggest difference is that Translation involves changing content into another language, while Transcription only works with the original language. Translation is usually more complex. A translator doesn’t just copy words—they have to make sure the meaning stays the same in another language. 

Sometimes, a word-for-word Translation won’t work, so they need to adjust phrases to make sense in the new language. This takes skill, cultural knowledge, and critical thinking, which makes Translation more challenging than Transcription. Here is a table explaining both of them:

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How do Transcription and Translation Work? 

Now that we have learned the functions of Transcription and Translation, let's take a look at how these processes actually operate. There are various approaches available when it comes to transcribing or translating video content.  

Some companies opt to assign in-house staff to handle Transcription or Translation tasks. This may seem cost-effective initially. However, untrained individuals often produce inaccuracies that can compromise accessibility and the viewing experience.  

Alternatively, certain media platforms provide automatic Transcription and Translation features for video content. Although convenient for brands producing large volumes of content, these AI-driven tools often fall short in accuracy, failing to meet accessibility standards. 

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Translation vs Transcription: Which One Do You Need? 

Choosing between Translation vs Transcription depends on what you need. If you have audio or written content and just want a written version in the same language, go for Transcription. A transcriber listens or reads carefully and writes down exactly what was said, keeping everything in the original language.

But if you need your content converted into a different language, you need a Translation. A Translator takes the original material and rewrites it in another language while making sure the meaning stays the same.

Conclusion 

Understanding the difference between Transcription vs Translation helps you see their unique roles in preserving human understanding. Translation changes contents from one language to another, helping people communicate across cultures. Transcription creates a written record of spoken or written content in the same language, making it easier to document and access. Both are important in their own way!

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