Translation Misconceptions Translation Theory translation jobs
Home More Articles Join as a Member! Post Your Job - Free! All Translation Agencies
Advertisements

Translation Misconceptions



Become a member of TranslationDirectory.com at just $12 per month (paid per year)





Translation is occassionally taken too lightly by some. However, translation is in fact a serious business that should be approched sensibly in order to avoid poor results. Before starting a project that invloves translation bear in mind the following misconceptions regarding translation.

If you know a foreign language, you can be a translator

This is perhaps the most common translation misconception and the most damaging one. Being able to read, speak and write a foreign language does not give anyone licence to undertake translation work. Firstly, a translator must have indepth undertanding and knowledge of at least two languages: a foreign language and a mother tongue. Secondly, translating is a skill. You must be able to write well and have an excellent command of the nuances in language use. Thirdly, language is not free of cultural influences. If the culture behind the language which is being translated is not appreciated, an accurate translation is extremely difficult.

Translating is easy

Translation is far from easy. It can be very intricate, complex and arduous work. Having to simultaneously concentrate on two different texts is mentally exhuasting. This is because a translator is continuously moving between two languages and mind frames. A translator must first read and register source information then manage to digest it and present it accurately in the target language. This means having an excellent vocabulary and appreciating the subtlties in language such as phrases, metaphors, tone and intention.

Computers can now do translations

No translation program can and ever will be able to take the place of a human translators. This is because computers do not understand what language is, how it is used, the subtlties within it and the ever changing use of it. Computers may be able to translate simple one-dimensional sentences but they will never be able to tackle the complexities within literature or technical texts.


Having a professional translation is not crucial

It may be true that professional translators are not always necessary, however if the translation is to be accurate and professionally prepared and presented then an experienced translator is crucial. Bad translations lead to many problems including people misunderstanding texts which ultimatley reflect poorly on a company or organisation. If you want your car fixed you take it to a mechanic, not a car salesman. He may know a bit about cars but not enough to address your problems properly.







Submit your article!

Read more articles - free!

Read sense of life articles!

E-mail this article to your colleague!

Need more translation jobs? Click here!

Translation agencies are welcome to register here - Free!

Freelance translators are welcome to register here - Free!









Free Newsletter

Subscribe to our free newsletter to receive news from us:

 
Menu
Recommend This Article
Read More Articles
Search Article Index
Read Sense of Life Articles
Submit Your Article
Obtain Translation Jobs
Visit Language Job Board
Post Your Translation Job!
Register Translation Agency
Submit Your Resume
Find Freelance Translators
Buy Database of Translators
Buy Database of Agencies
Obtain Blacklisted Agencies
Advertise Here
Use Free Translators
Use Free Dictionaries
Use Free Glossaries
Use Free Software
Vote in Polls for Translators
Read Testimonials
Read More Testimonials
Read Even More Testimonials
Read Yet More Testimonials
And More Testimonials!
Admire God's Creations

christianity portal
translation jobs


 

 
Copyright © 2003-2024 by TranslationDirectory.com
Legal Disclaimer
Site Map