Translation is the communication of the meaning of a
source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text. The
English language draws a terminological distinction between
translating (a written text) and interpreting (oral or
signed communication between users of different languages); under this
distinction, translation can begin only after the appearance of writing
within a language community.
A translator always risks inadvertently introducing source-language words,
grammar, or syntax into the target-language rendering. On the other hand,
such "spill-overs" have sometimes imported useful source-language calques
and loanwords that have enriched target languages. Translators, including
early translators of sacred texts, have helped shape the very languages
into which they have translated.
Read more about translation here.