Still Learning to navigate Translation and Interpretation Terminology

In our previous article, we introduced basic terms of the language industry. If you missed it, you can still find it in the Articles section at www.brombergtranslations.com. In this issue, we will continue reviewing all the pertinent concepts a translation buyer needs to know.

A translator’s task is to convert written material from one language into another language. The skills a translator has are quite different from the skills of an interpreter. Translators need to be excellent writers in both the source and target languages they are translating. They are to have good revising and editing skills, ability to analyze various types of writing and refine their own work product accordingly. Translators work independently, endure long hours of solitude and possess a knack for research. A good quality translator is able to research both on-line and printed materials in order to find just the right word. Some translators work only into their native language, some are capable of working into both, native and non-native languages, but just like interpreters, all translators have their areas of expertise. Therefore, translators typically specialize in different areas, such as, technical, literary, medical, legal and so on.

MACHINE TRANSLATION (MT) is a translation program that translates text without human input in the actual translation process. The quality of machine-translated text, in terms of terminology, meaning, style and grammar, varies depending on the nature and complexity of the source text, but in general is quite poor. Professional translators may refuse to work with text that has been machine translated because usually it can be less expensive and less time consuming to translate the entire file from scratch. Machine Translation is not to be confused with TM or Translation Memory!

Professional translators may use TRANSLATION MEMORY tools including various software programs designed to match the terms previously translated by them to eliminate the need for repeat action. It saves money and time, as well as helps to improve the quality and consistency of the translation. However, Translation Memory is only as good as its user. In inexperienced hands, any tool can be a hindrance. In our future issue look for articles on On-line Translation, Computer Aided Translation and Translation Memory.

The next important term is BACK TRANSLATION, which is exactly what it sounds like: translation of an already translated file back into the original source language. Back Translation is a method occasionally implemented to determine whether the meaning of the original document has been preserved in the target language.

Many clients may require having CERTIFIED TRANSLATION, meaning the document has been reviewed by a translator or a translation company and considered an accurate and correct reflection of the source text. To have legal status, certification must be notarized by a notary public.

Another service related to translation and performed by Translation companies is LOCALIZATION. It is a process of adapting a product (usually software, but also, for example, websites, or marketing products) to a specific locale, i.e. to the language, cultural norms, standards, laws and requirements of the target country.

Any translation must undergo EDITING by a second professional translator to ensure the error free translation in terms of accuracy, preserving the original meaning, grammar, flow and style. Editing involves careful reviewing of the translated document and comparing it to the original.

There is much more involved in the process of creating a professional translation and being a translator. With this article, we had hoped to offer a good start on the path of becoming educated buyers of linguistic services. Of course, feel free to contact Bromberg & Associates with any questions.