Transcription vs. Transcript: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 21, 2023
Transcription is the process of converting spoken language into written text, while a Transcript is the written record or output of this process.
Key Differences
Transcription and Transcript both involve the conversion of spoken words into written form, yet they stand for different concepts. Transcription refers to the act or process of transcribing, which is the conversion of spoken or audio-recorded language into text. It captures the spoken words and represents them in a readable format. On the other hand, a Transcript is the final written record or document that results from transcription, representing the content that has been transcribed.
Transcription is dynamic and ongoing, implying an action or a task being carried out, such as the transcription of an interview or a speech. It may involve a person listening to the recorded audio and typing out the words or using software that automatically converts spoken words to text. In contrast, a Transcript is static, it is a tangible or viewable record of the transcribed words, serving as a reference for the content that has been spoken and then transcribed.
The realm of transcription is broad, encompassing various fields including medical transcription, legal transcription, and general transcription. It demands accuracy and attention to detail, as it serves to represent spoken language in a form that can be read and analyzed. A Transcript, however, is the culmination of this process, providing a detailed, often verbatim, written account of the spoken words, and can be shared, read, or archived for future reference.
Transcription can also refer to the molecular biology process where a specific segment of DNA is used as a template to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule. However, a Transcript, in linguistic contexts, remains the written record of spoken words and does not have a counterpart in the realm of molecular biology.
In essence, transcription is an active, meticulous process of converting spoken or audio-recorded words into text, spanning across multiple domains, while a transcript is the conclusive written document that houses the transcribed content, serving as a reference for the spoken words.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The process of converting spoken or audio-recorded language into written text.
The written record resulting from transcription.
Nature
Active, dynamic, process-oriented.
Static, tangible, product-oriented.
Application
Medical, legal, general transcription.
Document of recorded spoken words.
Representation
Represents an action or task.
Represents a written record or document.
Form
Ongoing process.
Completed document.
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Transcription and Transcript Definitions
Transcription
The action or process of transcribing spoken language into written text.
The transcription of the lecture was accurate and detailed.
Transcript
A written or printed version of material originally presented in another medium.
The newspaper published a transcript of the president's speech.
Transcription
The representation of speech or music in written or printed form.
Transcription of the musical piece allowed for a detailed analysis.
Transcript
A written or printed record of dictated or recorded speech.
The court reporter provided a transcript of the proceedings.
Transcription
The act or process of transcribing.
Transcript
A copy or reproduction of a text.
She kept a transcript of all her letters.
Transcription
The process of making an exact copy of genetic material within a cell.
Transcription is a crucial step in the expression of genes.
Transcript
An official record of a student's academic performance and progress.
The college required an official transcript as part of the application process.
Transcription
The act of converting data or information into another form.
The transcription of coded messages played a crucial role in intelligence gathering.
Transcript
Something transcribed, especially a written, typewritten, or printed copy
The transcript of court testimony.
Transcription
(Music) An adaptation of a composition.
Transcript
A record of a student's academic performance issued by an institution of learning.
Transcription
A recorded radio or television program.
Transcript
(Biology) A sequence of RNA produced by transcription.
Transcription
(Linguistics) A representation of speech sounds in phonetic symbols.
Transcript
Something which has been transcribed; a writing or composition consisting of the same words as the original; a written copy.
Transcription
(Genetics) The synthesis of messenger RNA from a DNA template through the formation of base pairs, resulting in a transfer of genetic information that codes for amino acid sequences composing proteins.
Transcript
A copy of any kind; an imitation.
Transcription
The act or process of transcribing.
Transcript
A written version of what was said orally
The transcript of a trial
Transcription
Something that has been transcribed, including:
Transcript
(genetics) A molecule of RNA produced by transcription
Transcription
(music) An adaptation of a composition.
These frame tale interludes frequently include transcriptions of Italian folk songs.
Transcript
(education) An inventory of the courses taken and grades earned of a student alleged throughout a course.
Transcription
(broadcasting) A recorded radio or television programme.
Transcript
(rare) To write a transcript; to transcribe.
Transcription
(linguistics) A representation of speech sounds as phonetic symbols.
Transcript
That which has been transcribed; a writing or composition consisting of the same words as the original; a written copy.
The decalogue of Moses was but a transcript.
Transcription
(obsolete) A written document.
Transcript
A copy of any kind; an imitation.
The Grecian learning was but a transcript of the Chaldean and Egyptian.
Transcription
(genetics) The synthesis of RNA under the direction of DNA.
Transcript
A written version of what was said orally; as, a transcript of a trial.
Transcription
The act or process of transcribing, or copying; as, corruptions creep into books by repeated transcriptions.
Transcript
Something that has been transcribed; a written record (usually typewritten) of dictated or recorded speech;
He read a transcript of the interrogation
You can obtain a transcript of this radio program by sending a self-addressed envelope to the station
Transcription
A copy; a transcript.
Transcript
A reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)
Transcription
An arrangement of a composition for some other instrument or voice than that for which it was originally written, as the translating of a song, a vocal or instrumental quartet, or even an orchestral work, into a piece for the piano; an adaptation; an arrangement; - a name applied by modern composers for the piano to a more or less fanciful and ornate reproduction on their own instrument of a song or other piece not originally intended for it; as, Liszt's transcriptions of songs by Schubert.
Transcript
The final written product resulting from the transcription process.
The transcript contained every word spoken during the interview.
Transcription
Something written, especially copied from one medium to another, as a typewritten version of dictation
Transcription
(genetics) the organic process whereby the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA; the process whereby a base sequence of messenger RNA is synthesized on a template of complementary DNA
Transcription
A sound or television recording (e.g., from a broadcast to a tape recording)
Transcription
The act of arranging and adapting a piece of music
Transcription
The act of making a record (especially an audio record);
She watched the recording from a sound-proof booth
Transcription
The arrangement of a musical composition for a medium other than that for which it was originally written.
The transcription for piano was beautifully executed.
FAQs
Is Transcription an active process?
Yes, transcription is an active, dynamic, and ongoing process.
Does Transcription involve attention to detail and accuracy?
Yes, transcription demands accuracy and attention to detail.
Can a Transcript serve as an official academic record?
Yes, a transcript can be an official record of a student's academic performance and progress.
Does Transcription also refer to a molecular biology process?
Yes, transcription can refer to the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template in cells.
Is a Transcript the final written record of transcribed content?
Yes, a transcript is the written record or document resulting from transcription.
Is Transcription the process of converting spoken words to text?
Yes, transcription is the process of converting spoken or recorded words into written text.
Is a Transcript a static document?
Yes, a transcript is a static, tangible, and completed document.
Can a Transcript be a written or printed version of a speech?
Yes, a transcript can be a written or printed record of dictated or recorded speech.
Can a Transcript be a copy or reproduction of any text?
Yes, a transcript can be a copy or reproduction of a text.
Can Transcription occur in different fields like medical and legal?
Yes, transcription can occur in various fields, including medical, legal, and general.
Is a Transcript used for reference or archival purposes?
Yes, a transcript serves as a reference and can be archived for future use.
Does Transcription involve the arrangement of musical compositions?
Yes, transcription can involve arranging a musical composition for another medium.
Is the goal of Transcription to produce a Transcript?
Yes, the goal of transcription is to produce a transcript, a written record of the transcribed content.
Is Transcription required in court proceedings?
Yes, transcription is crucial in court proceedings to have a written record of spoken words.
Can a Transcript be verbatim?
Yes, a transcript can be verbatim, containing every word spoken.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
