The beginning and the end of each of the two words are similar and if we read quickly, we also quickly take one for the other. Transcription and translation have 7 letters in common!
Besides, everyone knows the meaning of the word translation. On the other hand, transcription is much less common. So, we do not necessarily see what really covers the transcription.
Let’s learn to distinguish the two.
A Transcription
A video transcript is nothing more than a conversion of dialogue or speech spoken in a video shown in text format. If you need to transfer the content of a video recording into text for any purpose, transcription is what you need.
With transcription, we move from oral content (recorded as audio or video) to written content. The oral content is copied in written form. We reproduce in writing what is spoken.
Types of transcription
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There are several types of transcription, depending on the purpose of the transcribed text:
Literal Transcription: In this type of transcription, all the sounds that are heard are written in the document, including unfinished, repeated words, pronunciation errors, etc. In short, everything that is said in the audio. This type of transcription is usually requested for trials or expert evidence.
Natural transcription: This is the most common way to transcribe. In it, the transcriber removes all that irrelevant information, which results in a more natural, clearer and more professional looking text. The words or the meaning of the phrases are not changed. no information is lost, the meaning of the sentence is maintained and some corrections are made unless these are intended.
Translation
With translation, we move from a source language (eg English) to a target language (eg French), regardless of the medium. We transpose content from one language to another.
Types of Audiovisual translation
You can translate a text as well as an oral content by dubbing or subtitling.
Subtitling: Subtitles are text units written on the screen as a translation in movies, videos, documentaries, and television programs. Its intention is to give an account of the dialogues and discursive elements of the audiovisual material in question. They relate the image and the sound and synchronize them in time and space.
Dubbing: Replacement of the soundtrack contained in an audiovisual material from one language to another. It consists of re-recording the voices of the actors in synchrony with their vocal movements. It is the most complex type of audiovisual translation to carry out and therefore the most expensive.
Voice over: Superposition of the voices translated in the original soundtrack, which continues to be heard at a lower volume. Unlike dubbing, voiceover does not seek perfect synchrony. It is a type of translation often used in documentaries and news reports.
Now that we have clearly distinguished the two, I will add that transcription and translation can be complementary. Indeed, the transcription can be accompanied later by a translation, but they are two different steps. For example, you can first transcribe an interview in English and then translate it into another language. In this case, the transcription precedes the translation. Espresso Translations can transcribe and translate video at reasonable prices.
