Transcription vs. Translation: What's the Difference?
Transcription converts spoken audio into written text in the same language, a recorded deposition in Spanish becomes a Spanish-language written transcript. Translation converts written text from one language into another, that Spanish transcript becomes an English document. A foreign-language recording that needs to be usable in English typically requires both steps, transcription first, then translation.
What Exactly Does Transcription Convert?
Transcription converts spoken audio into written text in the same language, a recorded deposition in Spanish becomes a Spanish-language written transcript, with no change in language involved.
What Exactly Does Translation Convert?
Translation converts written text from one language into another, taking that Spanish-language transcript, for example, and converting it into an English-language document.
Why Would a Foreign-Language Recording Need Both Services?
A foreign-language recording that needs to be usable and understood in English typically requires both steps in sequence: transcription first to create a written record in the original language, then translation into English.
Does the Order Matter, Transcription First or Translation First?
Transcription generally comes first, converting the audio into written text in the original language, and translation follows, converting that written text into the target language, since translating audio directly without a transcript first is less accurate.
Can a Recording Be Translated Without Being Transcribed First?
It's possible for an interpreter to translate spoken content live without a written transcript, but for a written deliverable, like a document that needs to be filed or reviewed, transcription into the source language typically happens before translation.
When Does a Legal Matter Typically Need Both Transcription and Translation?
Foreign-language depositions or recorded evidence submitted in an English-language proceeding, and case audio that needs to be reviewed by an English-speaking legal team, are common situations requiring both services.
Is Pricing Different for Transcription Versus Translation?
Yes. Transcription is typically priced per audio minute, while translation is priced per page, since the two services measure and process different kinds of source material.
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