Every job has its challenges but for translators, these challenges mean the difference between understanding and misinterpretation, life and death, or even peace and conflict.
I’m not exaggerating…
For instance, a translator completing a translation project for a pharmaceutical company needs to translate the directions for use – get this wrong, and it leads to someone taking too much of the medicine, becoming seriously ill, or even dying.
Alternatively, a translator (or interpreter) working for the UN, may be required to interpret during negotiations between two countries. If they mistranslate a key phrase, or misinterpret what a speaker means, it could lead to an escalation of tension, or even all-out war.
While the above are extreme examples of challenges facing translators, they do give some indication as to the importance of accuracy within a translation and the linguistic knowledge that is required by translators in order for them to do their job well.
Every good translator understands that they need to be a native speaker of the language into which they are translating, that they must have vast knowledge of the two cultures, and that they must also understand the industry, or sector, within which the translation is being carried out.
This article explores these three main challenges in more detail which will help those using translation services to better understand the process and will also give aspiring translators some indication as to the skills required for the role.
1. Native Speaking Translators
If you have ever spoken to someone who hails from another country who isn’t a native speaker of your language, you’ll understand the necessity for a translator to be a native speaker in order to fully grasp every nuance and distinction within the words, phrases, and idioms within a particular language.
Each language has its own unique way of ‘speaking’ – closely linked to the culture, geography, history, and people who share the language.
For instance, the English phrase “It’s raining cats and dogs” means it is heavily raining, but a non-native speaking translator may misunderstand the phrase and translate the phrase literally.
Native speaking translators:
• Possess an extensive vocabulary, giving a higher degree of accuracy for translations, especially relevant when repetition should be avoided, or linguistic precision is vital.
• Can interpret and pinpoint the smallest linguistic details and stylistic nuances giving a greater level of understanding and accuracy, most relevant for highly technical translations.
• Are more creative, giving eloquence and persuasiveness to words, especially relevant in written translations such as, marketing, or in literary contexts.
• Are aware of linguistic and cultural sensitivities within their native language, and understand how to avoid causing offence, or a cultural faux pas.
• Are up to date with developments regarding their native language and home culture, which means their translations will be readily accepted and relevant for the audience.
2. Culture and Language in Translation
Translation isn’t just about language – there are also cultural factors which must be considered within each translation.
For example, in an English to Arabic marketing translation, the translator must consider cultural factors (some of which will impact lexical choice) and which will influence how the target audience perceive the ad.
This can include:
• Religion
• Class structure
• Societal expectations and norms
• Family
• Demographics
• Art and Literature
• Government
• Politics
• Economic culture
• Business
• Traditions
A translator must fully understand both the language, and the culture, in order to create a translation which resonates with the target audience, is culturally appropriate and acceptable.
This means the translator must ‘interpret’ the original text, and then adapt the language so it still conveys the original message but fits within the new culture and language.
Phrases, dialects, idioms, humour, and so on, are all affected by culture, so it is a real challenge to adapt these for a different market, language, and culture.
3. Sector Specific Skills
We have established that translation is complex matter which relies on the translator’s ability, their knowledge of the language, and culture, to give high levels of accuracy and relevance.
However, there are also many different types of translations.
The most frequently used are:
• Literary Translation
• Document Translation
However, there are also different industries which require translation and some of these industries are highly technical, demanding specialist knowledge in order to give an accurate translation.
For instance, the engineering industry, uses highly technical terminology which must be fully grasped by the translator to ensure precision.
Similarly, legal translations require a translator to have an in-depth knowledge of the law in two countries (or languages) so that an equivalent principle can be applied when translating documents from legal systems which may be vastly different.
A translator with sector specific skills can increase the accuracy level of a highly technical translation project and improve turnaround time due to fewer errors.
To find out more about our expert team of translators and the industries in which they specialize, click here.
Alternatively, contact us now to speak to a member of the team about your translation project.
