Interpretation
Spoken communication between people as a conversation happens.
Check: Think about the setting, participants, language, date, location, and whether the interpreter must attend in person or remotely.
Service decision guide
Interpretation vs. translation: which service do you need?
One helps people communicate in a conversation. The other works with written content. Some situations call for both.
If people need to understand one another during an appointment or meeting, start with interpretation. If a document needs to be written in another language, start with translation. A request can include both, but the work and preparation are different.
At a glance
The practical difference
Translation
Written content rendered in another written language.
Check: Think about the document type, language pair, intended use, readability, certification needs, and delivery deadline.
When a conversation is the task
A medical appointment, school meeting, legal consultation, or immigration interview involves people speaking with one another. An interpreter supports that exchange. Depending on the setting and requirements, the conversation may be supported in person, by phone, or by live video.
- Use the interpretation service page for the full range of settings and local in-person requests.
- Use the remote interpreting page to review phone and video options.
When a document is the task
Birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, transcripts, business materials, and other records are written materials. A translator works from the source text into the requested written language. Some receiving organizations ask for a certification statement; confirm what your recipient requires before the project begins.
When both are needed
An appointment may involve a spoken conversation and written records. For example, someone may need an interpreter for the meeting and a separate translation of a certificate. Describe both needs so each can follow the appropriate service path.
Before you request
What to prepare before contacting Lincua
- For a conversation: language, appointment setting, date, duration, location or remote format, and any qualification requirement.
- For a document: source and target languages, document type, approximate length, intended recipient, deadline, and whether certification may be needed.
- For both: identify the spoken event and the written material separately. Do not send sensitive records until the team confirms a delivery method.
Helpful answers
Common questions about interpretation and translation
Is interpretation the same as translation?
No. Interpretation supports communication during a conversation; translation works with written material.
Can one situation require both?
Yes. A meeting can need an interpreter while related documents need separate written translation.
Should I use the interpretation request for documents?
Use the translation contact path for documents. The interpretation request is for conversations and appointments.
Next step
Choose the service that matches your task
Start with the appropriate service page. Interpretation requests and document translation inquiries use different paths.