What do you call a person who translates between different languages?

The correct term for a person who translates between different languages in spoken or signed forms is an interpreter. Interpreters primarily work in real-time communication settings, such as conferences, meetings, or courtrooms, where they convey spoken language from one language to another instantly. This role requires not just bilingual proficiency but also the ability to think quickly and understand cultural nuances in the languages being interpreted.

On the other hand, a translator is typically associated with written texts, converting documentation from one language to another. While both roles involve language skills, the context in which they operate defines their titles. A speaker generally refers to someone who can communicate in a language rather than someone who translates or interprets it. A linguist studies language in a broader sense, focusing on its structure, meaning, and use, rather than specifically interpreting or translating between languages.