Many people use the terms “translation” and “interpreting” interchangeably even though translation deals with written text and interpreting involves spoken words.
Translation is a more complex process to coordinate than interpreting, and has a very different educational infrastructure. The knowledge and skills required in these professions are different enough that it is common for linguists to specialize in one role, particularly in high-demand languages.
Nature of Communication:
Translation deals with written texts, such as books, articles, documents, websites, etc. It involves transferring the meaning from one language to another while preserving the content, context, and style as much as possible.
Interpretation, on the other hand, deals with spoken language. It involves real-time rendering of spoken words or sign language from one language to another. Interpreters need to convey not just the words but also the tone, nuances, and cultural implications instantly.