Difference Between Transcription and Translation in Language
Main difference
Both words, transcription and translation refer to the language. By having a similar prefix, ‘Trans’, the words are said to be very similar, but at the same time have differentiating characteristics, which are easily understood. Transcription is defined as the conversion of something into a written form, while translation is the conversion from one language to another. Transcription involves only one language, on the other hand, translation involves two or more languages.
Comparison chart
| Transcription | Translation | |
| Definition | Transcription is defined as the conversion of something into written form. | Translation is the conversion from one language to another. |
| Languages | Transcription involves only one language. | Translation involves two or more languages. |
| Performer | The person who transcribes (performs the transcription) is known as a transcriber. | The one who performs the act of translation is called a translator. |
| master’s degree | The transcriptionist must have knowledge of the native language. | The translator must have knowledge of all the languages involved in the process of that particular translation. |
What is the transcript?
Transcription is defined as the conversion of something into written or printed form. The one with a solid knowledge of the language can serve this purpose. Speaking informally, we can say that transcription is the process of getting things recorded in written form. In this, things or information can be collected and converted into written or printed form. The act of transcription is called transcribing. The person who transcribes is known as a transcriber. The written or printed version is called a transcript.
Example: Students who finished their college sessions receive transcripts (education). In reality, those transcripts are the written conversion of the students’ achievements, grades, and attitude during their time at the institute.
What is translation?
Translation is defined as the conversion of something into another language. The one who has the vast knowledge of the two or more languages involved in the purpose can translate things exactly. The one who performs the act of translation is called a translator, and must also have a good knowledge of colloquial terms and idioms in a given language. Generally, the translation is from one language to another. For example, the translation can be from Hindi to English, French to Arabic, Chinese to Spanish, etc.
Example: As mentioned above, one must be well versed in all the languages involved for translation purposes. As someone who does not have a solid understanding of English idioms would not succeed in converting the idiom “Your cats and dogs are raining” into French.
Transcription versus translation in the language
- Transcription is defined as the conversion of something into a written form, while translation is the conversion from one language to another.
- Transcription involves only one language, on the other hand, translation involves two or more languages.
- The person who transcribes (carries out the transcription) is called a transcriber, while the person who performs the act of translation is called a translator.
- The transcriptionist must have the knowledge of the native language, while the translator must have the knowledge of all the languages involved in the process of that particular translation.