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 (not all languages do) between translating (a written text) and interpreting (oral or sign-language communication between users of different languages); under this distinction, translation can begin only after the appearance of writing within a language community.
A recent project worked to improve translation of EU marine research results into policy outcomes. The team summarised existing research, suggested effective ways of using the data and produced various software tools.