Difference Between Transcription and Translation in Language

Table of Contents

Main Difference

Both the words, Transcript and Translation are regarding the language. With having similar prefix, ‘Trans’ the words are said to be closely alike, but at the same time they posses differentiable characteristics, which are easily understandable. Transcription is defined as the conversion of something into a written form, whereas translation is conversion of one language to another. Transcription involves only one language, on the other hand, translation involves two or more languages.

Comparison Chart

TranscriptionTranslation
Transcription is defined as the conversion of something into a written form.Translation is conversion of one language to another.
Languages
Transcription involves only one language.Translation involves two or more languages.
Performer
The person who transcribes (performs transcription) is referred as a transcriptionist.The one carrying out the act of translation is called translator.
Mastery
Transcriptionist needs to have the knowledge of the native language.Translator needs to have the knowledge of all the languages involved in process of that particular translation.

What is Transcription?

Transcription is defined as the conversion of something into a written or printed form. The one having the sound knowledge of the language can serve the purpose in this. Informally speaking we can say that transcription is the process to get things on record in written form. In this one can gather the things or information and converts it in the written or printed form. The act of transcription is called transcribing. The person who transcribes is referred as a transcriptionist. The written or printed version is called transcript.

Example: The students who got on complete their university sessions are awarded the transcripts (education). Actually those transcripts are the written conversion of students’ achievements, grades and attitude while their stay at institute.

What is Translation?

Translation is defined as conversion of something into another language. The one having the vast knowledge of both the two or more languages involved in the purpose can translate the things exactly. The one carrying out the act of translation is called translator, moreover he/she should be well aware of the colloquial terms and idioms in certain language. Generally, the translation is from one language to another. For instance, translation can be from from Hindi to English, French to Arabic, Chinese to Spanish and e.t.c.

Example: As mentioned above, one should be well aware of all the languages involved in for translation purpose. As one without having the sound knowledge of English idioms would fail to convert the idiom ‘Its raining cats and dogs’ in French.

Transcription vs. Translation in Language

  • Transcription is defined as the conversion of something into a written form, whereas translation is conversion of one language to another.
  • Transcription involves only one language, on the other hand, translation involves two or more languages.
  • The person who transcribes (performs transcription) is referred as a transcriptionist, whereas the one carrying out the act of translation is called translator.
  • Transcriptionist needs to have the knowledge of the native language, whereas translator needs to have the knowledge of all the languages involved in process of that particular translation.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pbXFn5yrnZ6Ysm%2FDyKSgaKyilru0r9Gip62hn6N6t7%2BMramapqOhrrW1zqdkoqZdoa6vs9Sanp5n