Conceitos errados sobre Tradução

1. Translation is just changing words into another language

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.

2. Any bilingual person can translate
   A 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.
   
   
3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Computer translations are as good as human translations

Yes, it’s true that computational linguists have made incredible progress in computer translation technology, but that does not at all mean that human translators have become obsolete. Computer-based translators use algorithms and databases to create translations, but they do not have the kind of creative analytical skills that are needed to result in a text that does not only convey the appropriate message but also comes off as a fluent and stylistically appropriate piece of writing. Humans’ ability to analyze is also critical when it comes to things like homonyms, idioms, and slang.

6. A professional translator can translate any document in a language they know

Some documents can be translated by any translator who is proficient in the appropriate language, but other documents may have very technical or specialized jargon. A translator who is used to translating legal documents will not at all be able to successfully translate an engineering blueprint or a medical journal article. First of all, the translator will not be at all familiar with the appropriate vocabulary and its usage. Second, the translator may have difficulty even understanding the original document, which makes it nearly impossible to create any translation. Finally, the translator will have no knowledge of typical standards in the field or industry for language, terminology, formatting, etc. Some translators are highly specialized in a certain field, and some have more generalized abilities and can dab on the surface of many different fields. Either way, very specialized documents will be difficult for any translator who hasn’t had a lot of experience in the field.

7. Good translators never use dictionaries

The origin of this myth is easy to see – someone who is fluent in a language should not have to resort to a dictionary; since translators must be fluent in both of their languages, it follows that they shouldn’t need the aid of a translation dictionary. However, this is far from the truth. Of course, while translators should have a thorough command of their language and its vocabulary and grammar, this does not mean that they must have an unfaltering knowledge of every single word in the language. This is especially true when a translator is working in a new industry or a very technical field and encounters a word they have never heard in their second language or may not even know the meaning of in their first language!

8. Translating is the same as Interpreting

Though most people outside of the field consider translation and interpretation as interchangeable terms, they actually describe two completely distinct processes. Translation is the transfer of a piece of text from one language to another. Interpretation is the transfer of spoken word from one language to another. So, translators take a document and then write or type the translation while interpreters listen to someone talking and then relay it orally in the second language. Though some processes, such as sight translation, involve both spoken and written word, most cases of translation and interpretation involve only its respective form of communication. Most linguists are only qualified to do one or the other, so a translator should not be asked to perform interpretation services and vice versa.