About Translation
Translating
is expressing in one language what has been said in another. However, it is not
about substituting these words for those with a dictionary. Rather, it is about
conveying ideas, concepts and impressions. It is a complex process that varies
depending on the kind of text we are translating--in terms of the translation
process, there is a great difference between translating, say, a contract,
which requires a true and accurate rendering of its terms, and a novel, where
the text has to be “re-created” to produce the same effect on readers as the
original.
There are a
number of mistaken ideas about translation; for example, that speaking a
foreign language is all it requires. Actually, this is only the first step. A
translator needs to be aware of all the intricacies of a second language AND
his/her mother tongue. Translating also requires cultural awareness, general
knowledge, and being familiar with the subject matter at hand. In addition, you
need to be able to write well. All these aspects add up to a solid preparation
that is further enhanced by experience. It is all too frequent to see examples
of poor translations done by people who are clearly not qualified to do them.
Just as in
other areas of life you specifically look for a professional, why entrust your
company’s translation needs other than to a professional translator?