There is much more to translation than
just switching each word from one language to another. Things like
idioms, metaphors, and other figurative language cannot be translated
word for word because the translation would not retain the underlying
meaning. Translators must analyze sentences or paragraphs as a whole so
that they can translate the intended meaning of the text instead of just
each word on its own.
Translators also must spend time preparing, editing, and formatting in order to produce a suitable translation.
- Any bilingual person can translateA qualified translator is not just any person who can speak two languages fluently. Translators should have a degree or at least a certificate in translation studies, as there is more to the process than just being able to communicate in both languages. Translators have a code of ethics to follow, strategies they can use to more effectively translate the exact message, and specialized knowledge of the industry for which they will be translating.
- If you speak one dialect of a language, you can translate any document in that language.
Though many people are under the
impression that all speakers of a language use the same vocabulary,
slang, and grammar, this is not exactly true. American English speakers
can always understand British English, but they will know that each
dialect uses slightly different spelling, vocabulary, and slang. The
differences between English dialects, though, is nothing compared to the
variations between dialects in some other languages. Spain Spanish and
Latin American Spanish have different vocabularies and even slightly
different grammars. And even though Argentina is part of Latin America,
its dialect of Spanish is almost as distinct as Spain’s. The Arabic
language takes dialects to a new level. The variation goes far beyond
vocabulary and slang. The grammars of each dialect differ drastically
from each other, and many dialects are not mutually intelligible. A
translator must have a thorough knowledge of the specific dialect with
which they are working or the translation will seem awkward to the
readers.
- Everyone speaks English anyway these days!
Though English is one of the most
studied second languages and has sort of become the main language of
international business, English is far from being spoken by the entire
global population. Even within countries with English as one of their
official languages, there are many residents who do not understand
English at all, or if they do, they have a very limited grasp of the
language. If you are hoping to reach out to potential clients or
partners, you must consider the language that makes them feel the most
comfortable. Even if the person you are reaching out to does
speak English, they will always respond better to someone who
understands their language and culture. People are much more likely to
do business with someone who is communicating with them in their mother
tongue. The same applies to websites since 73% of internet users access
the web in a language besides English.
- Computer translations are as good as human translations
- A professional translator can translate any document in a language they know
- Good translators never use dictionaries
- Translating is the same as Interpreting
