The perils of a Translation Adventure
Anybody who has had the need to translate content from one language to another, or requires professional translation services, faces at least 3 main roadblocks. Let’s call them ‘perils’ for a small mistake can lead us to a different place, or meaning. There are many components that define how a document has to be translated; fields, subjects, target markets, and many others. In order for us to find the right translation. We need to interpret the meaning of the source and, at the same time, to know the target goal and market of the translation. These three main issues are:
- Language barriers: semantics, syntax, and grammar
- Cultural barriers: cultural differences, use of analogies, comparisons and so forth
- Intent-based barriers: the real intention of the document and how it can be more easily understood by the final users
When it comes to language barriers, we need to start with word-based translation. For example, what is the equivalent of a word in the target language. It is also a best practice to look for synonyms, antonyms, and context related examples, to learn more about the meaning of the word, and its use. Then, it is recommended to review the grammar; languages use different grammar rules, and the use of pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, and order varies. Finally, to check the syntaxes; for example, when would it be accepted the use of passive voice or anaphora, which is the repetition of a word in a paragraph.
In the translation process, the cultural differences are an important factor, especially when it comes to delivering a final product with the highest quality. For example, cultural connotations play an important role in the meaning of certain sentences, and the way they are used. In this step is where the ‘localization” part of the project plays a very important part, the use of locally common terms; the local argot is of great significance. Not only the colloquial terms but also the formats, for example, currency symbols and date formats that come in the device’s settings.
The last barrier is when we are in a real-life situation and we need to use a second language. For example, some food chains would interact with the customers using a “you” statement, rather than a Sir or Madam. In certain cultures that is simply unacceptable, although in some others it is starting to be diluted by the influence of foreign affairs. English, for example, bases this differentiation by using certain terms and special grammar, i.e. when asking somebody for a reply: “Should you need to contact me, please do it via any means you may consider appropriate”. While other languages such as Spanish or German do have a complete pronoun with its own verb tenses, like in Spanish: “En qué le puedo servir? – (What can I do for you?)”.
Translation includes several aspects that are better handled in an ordered manner, following specific steps in a particular order. This process makes it easier to translate, localize, and adapt the translation to the intended goal as well as achieving the high quality in the process. There are many tools and providers, like SDL Trados, but you need to be aware of the process. A professional service team of translators will be getting back to you with questions and comments through the process, just to have a better understanding of your goals. At Argot, we follow the process we created in order to reduce the hassle and increase the quality of the final product.