Think translation is just swapping words? Think again! Dive into the surprising world of hidden meanings, cultural nuances, and even machine rivals. Discover the real challenges translators face and unlock the secrets to bridging language barriers with finesse. Get ready to rethink everything you knew about translation!
We all know that different nationalities have their own topics. Think of those brave Spanish bullfighters, the quiet Mexicans taking a nap under their big hat or the ruddy Germans and their huge beer mugs. But few of us realize that the professions also carry their own preconceived notions. Today, in our blog, we will try to deny some of the most pressing matters of our professional sector: translation.
Frequently, the profession of the translator is linked to some statements that, in reality, are completely false. Here are the myths that exist around the professional translators and their profession:
Native speakers are infallible: The notion that native speakers are infallible in translation is a misconception. Being a translator requires years of dedicated study and expertise. Simply being fluent in a language does not guarantee excellent writing skills in that language. While someone who has studied English at a university level may be able to handle basic translation tasks, more complex texts in specialized fields like medicine, law, or mining necessitate the involvement of a professional translator. Assigning such responsibilities to qualified professionals with the necessary linguistic and subject-specific knowledge is crucial.
Translation is just substituting word for word: Spanish is a language much richer in words than English; for instance, in English, there’s only a single word to say “jump”. In Spanish, we need more than a single word to say the same expression. And if we literally translated the phrasal verbs or the phrases of English, we could get to where it no longer fits the context. For example, tear off means break, but if we translate it word for word, we will see that it could mean the literal suggestions prompted by a dictionary.
Free online translations are good enough: Computers stand out for their lack of ability to recognize tonality, intent, and consistency in texts. Even sometimes confusing words can bring errors in the translated text. A clear and simple example would be “Contact Us,” which the computer could translate into Spanish as “Contact the United States.”
Translations can be done in a couple of days: This is totally false, although it will depend on the text’s length. For example, if it takes someone months to write a manual, don’t expect the translator to take three days. First, you have to finish the translation, then edit it, and if necessary, get a review performed by a proofreader.
The quality of a translation is checked by doing the reverse translation: To think that the quality of a translation can be verified by having a second translator perform a reverse translation is a myth. A good translation includes small adaptations, nuances that the translator introduces when writing in the target language. It is a necessary adaptation so the reader does not realize they are reading a translated text. These are the techniques followed everywhere around by language service providers.
For example, try translating this sentence in Google Translate, and you will understand.
Professional translation only works for contracts and legal documents: It works for this type of work. Of course, it does! But it is also required in texts for a web page to translate catalogues, software, video games, books, and magazines, and even to translate presentations and dossiers for reverse trade missions. Legal documents and contracts represent a tiny fraction of the content that is translated today.
A translator can carry out quality translations in any field: The translator’s specializations are as important to the quality of the translation as the knowledge of the language and the initial technical-theoretical preparation. To translate a text, the translator must fully understand the content of the text, and this understanding is not always accessible in the case of specialized texts. During his or her career, a translator specializes in two or three areas of interest, depending on personal interests, the professional context, or the market’s needs.
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