Here we are: we need to translate document, we look for a translation agency, we can immediately find Absolute Interpreting and Translation Ltd group (AIT Group) and the job is done!
But what is there behind such simple process?
Behind, there are many tips and tricks… and problems as well.
You know a foreign language, and then you are a translator: WRONG.
It’s time to dispel this myth.
- Translation means imparting intentions, meanings, ideas, implicit messages, paying attention to the shades of the sentences, and considering the care and the elegance of the target language.
- Translation takes you into a new perspective: you become a poet, a lawyer, a linguist, sometimes even a psychologist or a writer.
Do you know what fake friends are?
Well, to be a translator you must know those dodgy fellows. They deceive you, they let you think that the meaning is obvious and fair, but the truth is that what you immediately believe is a trick. The real meaning is hidden.
To maintain its high standards of translation and to ensure accuracy of its certified translation services, Absolute recruits only experienced translators and not just people with grammatical and vocabulary knowledge of a foreign language. That’s not enough!
The translator is a multicultural character and he/she has a big responsibility toward the client and the Company.
One of the other worst obstacles is the wordplays and we must admit that some languages (like English) use wordplays… (Excessively maybe?)
How can you translate something that is hilarious for you and for your culture and obtain the same effect?
Sometimes a translation may not be considered as correct by the requester of the service as he/she may speak both the languages, but did you know that translation is subjective? One could be a perfect multilingual but not necessary a good translator.
So, do you still think that translation is really so easy?
Did you know?
- A translated text is a very colorful text and the translator should transfer all of those colors into another language.
But what is the best way to do it?
I am sure that you have read a book or you have watched a movie and it was not in its original language, but maybe you needed to meditate on it before realising: ‹‹That is not the masterpiece original language!››
And I must underline and repeat again: “You need to meditate on it”!
Why do I consider that expression so important?
The best translator is a ghost, he/she is invisible.
The translator should have a talented mind that formulates impeccably what the original writer wanted to express.
When you read a translated book, are you reading what the author wrote or what the translator’s eclectic mind has elaborated? Even the best translation, after an accurate analysis, can show the translator’s character.
The truth of the matter is that the translator will leave in somehow his traces and many times a book can gain a lot of readers thanks to the translator’s job.
An overlooked aspect of the translation is the Transcreation (Check here for more https://www.absolute-interpreting.co.uk/cross_cultural_marketing.php).
Think: what would you tell me if I ask you what the translation is?
(Less if you are a translator) You would tell me: it’s the process of translating from a language into another one.
And what about the Transcreation? Do you know what it is?
- The Transcreation is the creative translation of advertisements, spots, campaign, etc…
What does it differ from the translation?
The difference is extremely relevant because the Transcreation is aimed to catch the consumers’ attention, it’s important in terms of marketing because a good “re-created translation” will allow the company to gain more attention.
Technical translations require a good knowledge of specialised terms but the Transcreation is another story: it is a marketing translation and it has nothing to do with the rest of the translations.
The address cultural shades influence the success of the product.
The keyword? The context!
Be amazing!
Written by:
Elisa De Cagna
