Translator/Interpreter

Question

What's the convention in Spain to distinguish between traducción and interpreting? Hay el traductor y..... The translator takes a foreign text and renders it onto his/her native language. The interpreter translates his native language into a target language verbally . What's the most common designation in Castellano to make that distinction?

Thanks

Typo in the heading - translator :) - Kiwi-Girl, Jul 9, 2011

oops! thanks, slapdash typing. - lagartijaverde, Jul 9, 2011

Answer 1

Interprete

intérprete -- needs the accent mark - gintar77, Jul 9, 2011

Answer 2

English dictionaries do not support the distinction (foreign to native vs native to foreign language) that you are trying to make. e.g.The OED has (as the most relevant definition) "One who translates the communications of persons speaking different languages; spec. one whose office it is to do so orally in the presence of the persons; a dragoman." Thus, the emphasis is on the spoken language and simultaneity.

When heads of state and such (where budget restrictions no not apply) meet, each usually has his own interpreter (who only translates into the [shared] language of the interpreter and, of course, head of state).

:-) - lagartijaverde, Jul 11, 2011