When you think of Translation, what is the first thing that comes into your mind? Probably, the image of someone translating words from English to Spanish or from German to English. Of course, we have already seen this many times, but what is the main idea here? And, what is the role of translation?
Translation is a process of taking one language and transforming it into another language or vice versa. If you want to translate an article from English to Spanish, you cannot just do it by reading the article out loud. It sounds strange and off-putting. Therefore, the main idea of a good translator is that, he has to know how to take what you wrote and turn it into something different, to make it better, more interesting, and more understandable. This way, you will be able to share your thoughts and ideas in the best possible way.
A good translator should have a wide knowledge on both the languages. The basic foundation is the same: translate the source text in one language and the target text in another. However, the approaches and style of translators differ from one source text to another. As a rule, a good translator translates texts with some differences in the tone, syntax, style, and word choice to create the desired effect.
A good translator should be able to produce a good translation when faced with a problem or when his source text and target language are not clear. He should also be able to adjust his approach according to the situation. For example, if the target language is German, a good translator will translate texts from this language into English to have an easier understanding for the German readers. On the other hand, if the two sources do not match up, a translator must be creative enough to think of ways on how to make it match up.
Good translators are always willing to adjust their style depending on the situation. They are experienced in finding solutions for their clients. Because of their experience and wide knowledge in the field, they can easily adjust their translations according to the needs of their clients. Their work is reviewed by other professional translators, and they meet all quality standards. Therefore, it is easy to find reliable translation agencies and translation professionals who can provide translation services and translation assistance.
The bottom line is that all translations are difficult, even if they are produced with an outstanding level of quality. It takes time and effort to produce a high-quality text. If you work with a very hard translator, chances are, you will end up with a finished product that does not match what you originally intended. There are many instances when the intended message is not delivered despite the best efforts. That is why every single translator must have a skillful skill and work ethic in order to provide quality translation services.
A common misunderstanding is that the text being translated needs to be changed to fit the target language (i.e., native or standard language) before the translation service is offered. While it is true that sometimes a text must be changed in order to adjust it to the target language, most times translation is done while the original text is being read by the client. Therefore, if there is a question about a word or a grammar, the translator can simply stop reading the text and ask the client if he/she needs to change anything in it. As a matter of fact, some clients actually prefer it when the translation agency makes a copy of the text and offer it to the client without changing anything in it. Then, after consulting the translator about the changes that need to be made, the client can already start using it.
Why do we need a translation service then? The simple answer is that translation is an essential part of business today. Any piece of writing (text, poetry, article, etc.) is only valuable as long as it’s accuracy can be salvaged, regardless of the language in which it was written.
Translation serves several crucial purposes in our interconnected world:
- Facilitating Communication: Translation allows people who speak different languages to understand each other. In international business, diplomacy, travel, and everyday interactions, translation bridges linguistic gaps and facilitates communication, fostering cooperation and understanding among individuals and cultures.
- Access to Information: Translation enables access to information and knowledge across linguistic barriers. It ensures that literature, academic research, news, and other valuable content are available to people who may not speak the original language in which they were produced. This is particularly important in fields such as science, medicine, and technology, where advancements and discoveries need to be shared globally.
- Preserving Cultural Heritage: Translation plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. It allows literary works, historical documents, religious texts, folklore, and other cultural artifacts to be passed down and appreciated by future generations, even if the original language becomes less widely spoken or understood.
- Globalization and International Relations: In an increasingly globalized world, translation is essential for fostering international cooperation, trade, and diplomacy. It enables businesses to reach new markets, governments to negotiate agreements, and organizations to collaborate across borders, contributing to economic growth and political stability.
- Enhancing Accessibility: Translation enhances accessibility for people with diverse linguistic backgrounds and abilities. It ensures that essential services, such as healthcare, legal assistance, and government information, are available to speakers of different languages, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity.
- Cultural Exchange and Understanding: Translation facilitates cultural exchange and mutual understanding by allowing literature, films, music, and other forms of artistic expression to be shared and appreciated across linguistic boundaries. It promotes empathy, tolerance, and respect for diverse perspectives and experiences.
Overall, translation is indispensable for fostering communication, preserving cultural heritage, promoting global cooperation, and ensuring equal access to information and opportunities in our increasingly interconnected world.