The Golden Rules of Translation
Translation refers to the process of translating written texts, and therefore the sentences from which those texts are composed, from a source into a target language. In our ever-globalizing world, the intensive state of interaction between societies thus feeds the ever-growing demand for translation services. Even so, there are several critical details that one must keep in mind whilst translating a text. What are these points, you ask? Well, let’s look at them together…
Read Original Text Carefully
A good translator should first and foremost read through the original text carefully. Doing so multiple times will then render you able to avoid on coming errors. At the same time, you must take note of words or terms that you do not fully understand so that when you go do your translation, you’re not going to run into any major roadblocks. What is more, reading the text in the original will also grant you the gift new knowledge as well about the particular subject in question.
Don’t Forget to Take Notes
As has already been mentioned, the translator should take notes while reading the text that is in front of them and should therefore pay attention to them whilst translating. This will save you a lot of time and hassle.
Don’t Venture Beyond Your Area(s) of Expertise
Every translator specializes in at least one subject or field. For example, one who specializes in translating literary texts is likely to stumble across numerous problems upon trying to translate a medical text. Thus, in order to avoid this, you should never attempt to venture too far beyond your area(s) of expertise in order to ensure quality in your work.
Draw from Multiple Sources
Multiple sources allow you to obtain multiple ideas and perspectives Within the context of translation in particular, being able to draw from more than one resource will enable you to extract more than one meaning from the sentences within the text you’re working with.
Learn All You Can About the Subject You’re Translating
Whether the job at hand is a medical or an academic text, you are likely not to know everything being put forth in terms of subject matter. The only way you can curb this is therefore to do a wee bit of research on the subject beforehand. If you can accomplish that, be rest assure that your translation turns much, much better.
Listen to Your Customers
The moment you receive a new translation project, be sure to pay specific attention to what your customers’ wishes and expectations are—and in light of that, translate accordingly.
Go Over Your Translation After You’ve Finished It
As soon as you’ve completed your translation, don’t forget to go over its inch by inch, comparing and contrasting it with the original text. Moreover, be sure to cross-check your work both with your own notes, as well as to ensure that it falls in line with what your customer expects from you. You should only submit your work when you feel it be flawless.