Translating
Translators write.
They read and understand a written document. They gather meaning beyond mere words and sentences by reading other, invisible aspects of written text. They are well versed in the cultural characteristics of the society that speaks and writes the language of the original text, so as to be able to fully understand the meaning and intention of what is printed, not only the language.
Only after she has got deeply immersed in the text, can she devote herself to a translation into her other language (preferably her mother language). But producing a quality target text is not that straightforward. Many elements come into play. The translator will use them in order to render a text tailored to produce the same impact as intended by the original. She must correctly identify the field, tenor (level of formality), register, mode (is it going to be written or read aloud?). Where is the text going to be published? By which medium (a magazine, medical journal, blog, pamphlet)? Who is the receiver?
For the translator it is be useful (or perhaps paramount) to know the purpose of the text, its target audience (age, sex, education, activity, customs, beliefs) and where in the world it will be used. In the case of Spanish, is it Spain? If it is Latin America, which country? Is it the US? Is it destined to expats in other countries?
Ultimately, What is the text trying to achieve? Once the translator has identified the said elements to the best of her possibilities, she transfers them into the target language and merge them with the wording.
How to identify a good translator
Good translators must be:
- human
- well trained
- proficient in and passionate about the languages they work with
Human
Machine translation systems come by handy if you are having trouble with the instructions for a new appliance. You can then type a simple phrase and get a rough equivalent in your language, that you may be able to decipher to help you get your new gadget started. But when it comes to serious documents, the use of online translators can result in dangerous mistakes for you and your business. In the best case they will only make you look less professional.
Well trained
It can not be emphasised enough how important it is that a translation be done by someone who can translate, not just speak a second language well. There is so much that the translator has to think about before she can deliver a result of good professional standards. Only translators trained at a recognised institution can join their professional society, where she will keep up with the development of the profession, beyond her training and professional activity.
Proficient and passionate about the languages she works with
Translating is a highly intellectual activity that requires dedication, hard work and time. It cannot be seriously performed if it is taken only as a side activity or hobby. Good translators, especially freelancers, will devote their lives to deepen into the knowledge of the languages they work with by reading, listening to radio and music, watching DVDs and YouTube clips, traveling and using any opportunity available to practice their languages. Today, more than ever, the possibility to maintain contact with a foreign language are plenty.
Languages involve a universe of knowledge that can never be exhausted. But the translator has to work as if it could.
To get a quality translation, a client needs an inquisitive translator, one that would ask for clarification as many times as she considers proper. An inquisitive translator produces her work carefully and thoroughly and achieves an end result of high standards. Communication is key to achieve a great result.
Good translators are highly skilled professionals with a broad general knowledge of a wide variety of topics. They read, understand, analyse, deliver.
And it is when they are invisible that they shine. ❒
They read and understand a written document. They gather meaning beyond mere words and sentences by reading other, invisible aspects of written text. They are well versed in the cultural characteristics of the society that speaks and writes the language of the original text, so as to be able to fully understand the meaning and intention of what is printed, not only the language.
Only after she has got deeply immersed in the text, can she devote herself to a translation into her other language (preferably her mother language). But producing a quality target text is not that straightforward. Many elements come into play. The translator will use them in order to render a text tailored to produce the same impact as intended by the original. She must correctly identify the field, tenor (level of formality), register, mode (is it going to be written or read aloud?). Where is the text going to be published? By which medium (a magazine, medical journal, blog, pamphlet)? Who is the receiver?
For the translator it is be useful (or perhaps paramount) to know the purpose of the text, its target audience (age, sex, education, activity, customs, beliefs) and where in the world it will be used. In the case of Spanish, is it Spain? If it is Latin America, which country? Is it the US? Is it destined to expats in other countries?
Ultimately, What is the text trying to achieve? Once the translator has identified the said elements to the best of her possibilities, she transfers them into the target language and merge them with the wording.
How to identify a good translator
Good translators must be:
- human
- well trained
- proficient in and passionate about the languages they work with
Human
Machine translation systems come by handy if you are having trouble with the instructions for a new appliance. You can then type a simple phrase and get a rough equivalent in your language, that you may be able to decipher to help you get your new gadget started. But when it comes to serious documents, the use of online translators can result in dangerous mistakes for you and your business. In the best case they will only make you look less professional.
Well trained
It can not be emphasised enough how important it is that a translation be done by someone who can translate, not just speak a second language well. There is so much that the translator has to think about before she can deliver a result of good professional standards. Only translators trained at a recognised institution can join their professional society, where she will keep up with the development of the profession, beyond her training and professional activity.
Proficient and passionate about the languages she works with
Translating is a highly intellectual activity that requires dedication, hard work and time. It cannot be seriously performed if it is taken only as a side activity or hobby. Good translators, especially freelancers, will devote their lives to deepen into the knowledge of the languages they work with by reading, listening to radio and music, watching DVDs and YouTube clips, traveling and using any opportunity available to practice their languages. Today, more than ever, the possibility to maintain contact with a foreign language are plenty.
Languages involve a universe of knowledge that can never be exhausted. But the translator has to work as if it could.
To get a quality translation, a client needs an inquisitive translator, one that would ask for clarification as many times as she considers proper. An inquisitive translator produces her work carefully and thoroughly and achieves an end result of high standards. Communication is key to achieve a great result.
Good translators are highly skilled professionals with a broad general knowledge of a wide variety of topics. They read, understand, analyse, deliver.
And it is when they are invisible that they shine. ❒