Most probably, many of us have the confusion between transcription and translation in language. Some of us have the wrong perception that transcription and translation in language are the same things. To clear all your confusion and false perception, here is a detailed discussion of what transcription entails.
Although translation and transcription are interconnected, they are not the same. Both are essential for effective communication. Transcription is the process of listening to audio, video, live speech, and writing into text form in the exact language that the original speaker used. In one sentence, transcription means writing the same things that are heard. So, there is a big difference between transcription and translation in language. For instance, when you were in university or college, you must have written/transcribed the speech of your professor as notes. Not so? This hearing and writing process is called transcription. Basically, transcription means the hearing and writing process.
Should a client want a transcription of an audio file, the transcriber will transform the recording into a written format, so the document is in the same language as the audio file. On Netflix, we enjoy different multilingual movies. But it would not be possible if there was no subtitle. With the aid of professional transcription services, we can get accurate subtitles. As mentioned earlier, transcription depends on audio and video files. A translator needs a minimum of two language proficiency for translation services. However, a person can do transcription knowing just one language.
Why is transcription essential?
The need for transcription services applies to many occasions. It can be used to provide written transcripts of consultations, lectures, interviews and conferences. Transcription serves a variety of sectors such as politics, media, business, medical, education and civil service.
In linguistics (academic), transcription is a vital component of a system of methods of sociolinguistics, dialectology, conversation analysis and phonetics. In various subdivisions of speech technology, transcription plays an essential part.
Outside of the academic field, transcriptions are the written record of what takes place during a court hearing, for example, a criminal trial. In the legal industry, transcription is very common, especially in witness statements that are typically recorded. The recordings are transcribed into the written format before they are submitted as evidence in court.
Another example is medical transcription, where the recorded voice notes of a physician are transcribed to provide a written copy of a patient’s medical care history, the prescriptions given and notice of allergies. The written medical records are included in the patient’s records. This practice facilitates the delivery of healthcare to a patient no matter the location or geographical distance.
Transcription is also applied to advertising campaigns of products shown in foreign markets. The transcription of the video and audio campaign materials helps to ensure that the promotional messages remain consistent.
It takes longer to process transcription. Once the file is received by the translation company, the project manager will check it to determine in which category it falls under. The process helps the project manager choose the right subject matter expert to handle the transcription, whether it is finance, legal or medical. The assigned translator will listen to or watch the recording and make a written copy of the script. Translation may take place later if the client needs it.
A transcriber only works with one language, thus competency in that language is essential. Because a transcriptionist (transcriber) only cares about the information, knowledge of colloquial expressions is not essential. Transcription handles two different formats, from recorded to written.
Undoubtedly, transcription plays a vital role in effective communication as various sectors have great demand for it . But for transcription, all processes discussed above would not be possible. Conclusions can now be drawn that transcription helps to create accurate translations. Hence, when your transcription becomes accurate, your translation will be precise automatically.
Call Polyglot Translation Services for all your language Transcription needs. PTS professional and experienced linguists are waiting for your call to fulfill all your language services demands.