Transcription vs. Translation: Choosing the Right Service

Businesses often mix up transcription and translation, assuming they mean the same thing. In reality, they’re completely different processes and using the wrong one can waste time and money.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your video interview, podcast, or multilingual webinar needs transcription or translation (or both), this guide breaks down the difference, use cases, and how to choose the right service.

What Is Transcription?

Transcription is the process of converting spoken words into written text in the same language.

It’s ideal for:

• Meetings, interviews, webinars, focus groups, and legal recordings.

• Producing written records for accessibility and compliance.

• Creating captions or searchable archives.

Types of Transcription

• Verbatim: Captures every sound. Ideal for legal or research contexts.

• Intelligent: Cleans up filler words and repetitions for readability.

• Edited: Rephrases speech for clarity and flow, often used in corporate or marketing contexts.

Accurate transcription requires not only excellent listening skills but also a deep understanding of context, tone, and jargon, especially in fields like medicine, law, and finance.

What Is Translation?

Translation converts written content from one language to another while preserving meaning, tone, and intent.

It’s the right choice for:

• Product manuals, marketing materials, HR documents, and websites.

• Reaching new international audiences.

• Ensuring regulatory or legal compliance across borders.

Professional translation goes beyond word-for-word conversion. It involves localisation; adapting measurements, currencies, cultural nuances, and even humour to resonate with the target audience.

When You Might Need Both

Sometimes, transcription and translation work hand-in-hand. For example:

• Video subtitles: A podcast or promotional video can be transcribed in English, then translated into other languages.

• Market research: Audio interviews in French can be transcribed in French first, then translated into English for analysis.

• Court proceedings: Multilingual recordings often require certified transcripts followed by translation for official use.

Combining both services ensures linguistic accuracy and accessibility.

Transcription vs Translation – Quick Comparison

Feature	Transcription	Translation
Converts	Speech → Text	Text → Text (across languages)
Output language	Same as source	Different from source
Used for	Recordings, captions, interviews	Documents, marketing, legal text
Skills required	Listening & formatting	Reading comprehension, cultural adaptation
Typical turnaround	Minutes to hours	Hours to days
Example	Turning a meeting recording into text	Translating an HR handbook into Spanish

Which Service Does Your Business Need?

Ask yourself:

1. Is my source material spoken or written?

   • Spoken → transcription

   • Written → translation

2. Do I need it in the same or a different language?

   • Same language → transcription

   • Different language → translation

3. Will the result be used internally or published?

   • Internal use → transcription may suffice

   • Public use or multilingual content → translation or both

If in doubt, a professional language agency can advise on the best combination and often save costs by integrating both processes.

Common Industries That Need Both

• Marketing & Media: Subtitles, dubbing scripts, transcribed interviews.

• Healthcare: Recorded consultations, multilingual patient forms.

• Legal: Depositions, hearings, witness statements.

• Corporate Training: Webinars, e-learning modules, HR videos.

• Education: Lecture recordings, research interviews, student materials.

Why Work With Professionals

DIY solutions or automated tools often fail to capture tone, nuance, or legal accuracy. Professional linguists use specialised software, glossaries, and QA processes to ensure precision and confidentiality.

Working with an accredited agency like Tongue Tied (NW) guarantees:

• Native-speaking specialists in over 200 languages.

• Secure file handling compliant with GDPR.

• Fast turnaround with human-verified quality.

FAQs

1. Can AI tools replace professional transcription and translation?

   
   

   AI can help generate drafts quickly, but human review is essential for accuracy, tone, and legal validity.

   
   

2. What’s the typical turnaround time?

   
   

   A one-hour recording may take 3–4 hours to transcribe. Translation times depend on word count, subject matter, and language pair.

   
   

3. Do I need certified transcripts or translations for legal use?

   
   

   Yes. For courts, visas, or regulatory submissions, certified services ensure your documents are legally recognised.

The Right Words in the Right Form

Transcription captures what’s said. Translation ensures it’s understood… everywhere.

Choosing the right service saves time, protects your message, and enhances accessibility for your audience. If you’re unsure which fits your project, our team at Tongue Tied can help you decide the most efficient route.

👉 Get in touch today to discuss your recording or document needs and make sure every word works as hard as you do.