10 Misconceptions About Translation Services

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The Current Trend Of Translation For most people, translating a text into another language only

comprises replacing one word with another.

This inaccurate process, combined with outrageous charges for the service, delivers imperfect outputs.

Translation requires vast knowledge and correct technique.

Only a well defined protocol in translating any document can result in high quality translation.

However, there are several myths in a client’s mind while selecting a translator. Let us investigate 10 such myths.

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This is the most common misconception.

There are several levels of understanding language usages and nuances that not everybody, not even natives, can manage with perfection.

Professional translators have a deep knowledge of the language with regard to its grammar, vocabulary, and style among many other aspects.

This extensive knowledge of language gives professional translators an edge over any ordinary native translator.

Myth 1: “Native Will be Enough. Don’t Need A Professional Translator.”

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A good translator not only knows translation techniques but also is specialized in at least one field.

Specialization is gaining importance in every field and translation is no exception.

While translating technical documents or marketing material, outputs may lose their impact or even worse—they may accidentally offend the target culture.

Merely knowing what words mean will not make a difference if the context is not understood.

Myth 2: “Translators Only Know Languages. No Subject Matter Expertise.”

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Every culture reflects on its language. The Oxford Dictionary defines culture as “the customs and beliefs, art, way of life, and social organization of a particular country or group”.

Each language is different not only in terms of grammar or semantics but also in the way it expresses ideas.

Native translators understand these differences and consider them while translating one language into another.

Language and culture may thus be seen as being closely related, and both these aspects must be considered during translation.

Myth 3: “Culture Has No Impact On Languages.”

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A person with an impressive educational qualification may not always be the right option. Knowledge of the language is essential to be able to create the best translation.

Professional linguists have a deep knowledge of languages, and they know all the techniques required to provide an accurate translation.

Journals have high expectations from a translated document, which only a qualified translator can deliver.

A professional translator should have many years of experience in his or her field coupled with proven experience, feedback, and (where possible) a client portfolio.

Myth 4: “You Don’t Always Need A Qualified Translator.”

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Like any other professionals, translators have both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Therefore, they count on many tools to do their job, and dictionaries are just one of them.

But their list of needs is vast: bilingual, etymological, technical, or scientific dictionaries, etc.

Some tools frequently used by translators include: Computer-aided Translation (CAT) tools Acronym Finder—Acronyms and Abbreviations finder Trados—Platforms for multilingual content management and

localization Lexicool.com—Bilingual and Multilingual dictionary on the Internet

Myth 5: “Translators Don’t Need A Dictionary.”

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Every translator has a specialty and a language in which he achieves perfection.

Although many can translate in both directions, to handle two languages with the same level of quality is almost impossible.

When looking for proficiency, translating only into a native language is the best option.

Good translators will specialize in only a few different but related areas. This allows them to stay up-to-date with changes in their industry and keeps them abreast of current trends.

Myth 6: “Translators Can Work Perfectly Well In Both Directions.”

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No matter how much they have improved over the last few years, machine translations can still not achieve the quality of human translation.

The process of properly translating a document implies a previous study of its peculiarities and proofreading later.

Many times, it’s essential to consider the client’s needs and the differences that exist between one country and another.

All these nuances can be applied only by a human translator and not a machine translator.

Myth 7: “Machine Translation Is Good Enough Nowadays.”

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Decision making is one of the primary skills that a translator should posses, to achieve an accurate translation.

Decisions may be regarding the style, grammar, and vocabulary used in any case.

Many decisions can be taken only if the person has the complete knowledge of the expected output; for example, the requirements of a journal.

Myth 8: “Translators Don’t Take Important Decisions.”

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Proofreading and editing is undoubtedly important.

Omissions, grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes can be made even by a good and careful translator.

Editing is one of the important processes of translation, where a group of professionals work together to ensure the best result.

A well-written and proofread copy clearly suggests that the people running the business are knowledgeable and take their work seriously.

To ensure a high quality of translations, it is advisable to employ both editors and proofreaders.

Myth 9: “Editing Is Not A Part Of The Translation Processes.”

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Does it take so long to translate a file? Probably yes.

A quick delivery might not always guarantee finesse in the quality of translation.

Alternatively, a professional translation company studies the client’s needs, chooses the best translator to take care of them, presents a budget, translates the document, and proofreads it (probably several times). This process requires predefined time.

However, professional translation companies are efficient in speeding up this process using multiple resources.

Myth 10: “Quick Delivery Implies Good Quality.”

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Last WordThe translation industry is looking for accuracy and specialization nowadays. To achieve them both, it is important to rely on professionals who have a good command over languages and understand the clients’ needs. This guarantees that translation achieves the best quality possible.

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