Is there a difference?
English to Polish translation and interpretation are two things which are commonly perceived to be one and the same. But, in fact they are quite different. It is not as intense as an interpreter's job. But, here the need for accuracy is even more. Translation of textbooks, encyclopaedias, works of fiction, business documents, websites, legal contracts, subtitles of movies etc. all require a high degree of accuracy. Also all this work has to be done extremely quickly and in the proper context. Imagine a historical fact being changed just due to the mistakes of the translator. If you got surprised by reading that then please continue reading. Interpretation is basically verbal translation whereas the normal translation we hear of deals with written stuff.
Interpretation
Remember, the last time Rafael Nadal used an interpreter during interviews? Many people use interpreters during live conversations to get the immediate translation of what is being talked about. Professional interpreters thus need to be extremely alert and quick in their work. For example, if Nadal's interpreter weren't quick enough he would look like a fool on TV while his interpreter worked through the translation of what was being asked. Interpreters have to capture the essence of the message and convey them to both clients. Medical or court interpreter's are great examples too. Both of these jobs require quick translation of spoken signals. Due to the highly specialised nature of these jobs you would probably need a degree to work as a medical or court interpreter.
Translation
Translation deals with the written translation of documents from one language to the other. It is not as intense as an interpreter's job. But, here the need for accuracy is even more. Translation of textbooks, encyclopaedias, works of fiction, business documents, websites, legal contracts, subtitles of movies etc. all require a high degree of accuracy. Also all this work has to be done extremely quickly and in the proper context. Imagine a historical fact being changed just due to the mistakes of the translator. These errors are intolerable, making a translators job equally (if not more) important.
With the advent of globalization and the shrinking of the world the need for both kinds of professionals is booming. If you got surprised by reading that then please continue reading. Interpretation is basically verbal translation whereas the normal translation we hear of deals with written stuff. Professional, certified agencies are the best option if you ever need to have English to Polish translation or interpretation done.
