Translation deals with written communication such as books, essays, legal documents, and medical records. Translators have time to reference resources and prepare before assignments. Interpreters work with live spoken translation at events like conferences, meetings, and legal proceedings. They must understand and reconstruct information in real-time at a rate of around 150 words per minute without references. While both roles require strong language and cultural skills, interpreters work immediately with speakers and translators have more time to complete individual texts.