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Translation
101
Translation is the written
language from and into foreign
languages. It is very common for
people to get translating mixed
up with interpreting.
Translation is the written form
and interpreting is the oral
form. It is also common for
people to think that anyone who
can interpret can translate and
vice versa. This is not the
case.
Translation is its own
profession, separate from
interpreting. The reason for
this is simple, can you think of
anyone in your life that speaks
perfect English and yet can’t
read and write equally well?
In addition to understanding
both languages a translator must
also be familiar with common
terminology, punctuation,
spelling, syntax (the
arrangement of and relationships
among words, phrases, and
clauses forming sentences),
abbreviations, slang, etc.
Syntax is a reason why computer
translation doesn’t work.
Because computers translate
literally, word-for-word. Rather
than translation of the
underlying meaning segments.
Colloquial expressions, such as
“You’re on fire!” – meaning
“You’re doing a great!” – are
also missed in computer
translation.
Literal translation does not
capture meaning given by word
order (syntax). Nor does literal
translation give the flow of
colloquial expressions and
emphasis found by a reader of
the text whose native language
is that of the text.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A
TRANSLATION PROVIDER
1. Will the translator be
translating into their native
language?
2. How do I know that the
translation will be accurate and
is it guaranteed?
3. How do you pick your
translators?
4. Can you handle monthly or
yearly updates to my materials?
5. Is my material for
translation kept confidential?
6. Do you use human translators
or machines?
7. How will I be billed for
services, by the hour or the
word?
8. Which Chinese or Spanish?
The above are good questions to
ask of the translation company
you are interested in working
with. There are not set industry
standards and so the answers you
get may vary. The following are
the answers that we would give
to you.
1. The most accurate
translations are done by
translators going into their
“mother-tongue’ or native
language (the language you are
going into is called the target
language).
2. We ensure accuracy by having
the materials proofread by a
different translator, and then
the project is given back to the
original translator to accept
the changes. We also carry
liability and omissions
insurance which we have never
had to use.
3. Our translators are chosen
based on certification,
education, experience, and
quality of work.
4. We can provide updates as
needed to previously translated
material.
5. We have confidentiality
contracts with all of our
translators (similar to HIPA)
and materials are kept under
lock and key with limited access
while in our office.
6. Yes, we use human translators
only.
7. Our services are charged by
the word with proofreading and
editing included.
8. In order to determine which
Chinese or which Spanish we ask
what the target audience is. If
you were using the materials in
Argentina the Spanish would be
slightly different than if you
were using the materials in
Mexico.
10 COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
ABOUT TRANSLATORS AND
TRANSLATION
1. Anyone with two years of high
school language (or anyone who
lived in another country for
three years in early childhood)
can translate.
2. There is no difference
between translation,
transcription and
interpretation.
3. A good translator doesn’t
need any reference literature.
4. Translators will soon be
replaced by computers
5. Translators don’t need to
know how to spell, since they
can use the Spellchecker on
their computer.
6. A good translator gets it
right the first time, without
any editing or proofreading.
7. Good translators are a dime a
dozen.
8. If you can type in a foreign
language then you are an
accomplished translator.
9. Translation can translate
both ways just as easily.
10. A 100-page technical manual
that took four months and three
persons to write can be
translated into another language
by one translator in two days.
POOR TRANSLATION EXAMPLES
From a French prescription
bottle - “Adults: 1 tablet 3
times a day until passing away”
From a hotel sign in Milan- “No
ladies in the bra-she’s lounge
only”
From a bar sign in Hong Kong-
“GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS-Live shoes
daily”
From an ad in Calcutta- “We are
doing bridal make up for gents
and ladies”
From a greeting card in Japan-
“Happy wedding on your marriage”
From a building sign in Hanoi-
“Brain for rent”
From a label on French cheese-
“This crud is from the finest
milk soley from the cow’s of the
Brie region.”
And some menu items from around
the world- Children sandwiches,
Fried vegetarians wrapped in egg
white, Lumb and ladies finger
stew, Fried fisherman, Shrimps
in spit, Bacon and germs, Pork
condom bleu, Grilled potties,
Chocolate clam chowder, Lobster
thermos, Horse-rubbish sauce,
Coca-Cola pepsi, and my personal
favorite, Ham on penis.
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The Language Exchange Inc.
PO Box 750
Burlington WA 98233
Ph: 360-755-9910
Fax: 360-755-9919
Forms & Publications
Available for Download:
Workshop Info:
We Are Members of:
American
Translators
Association
Northwest
Translators
& Interpreters Society
The Association of
Language
Companies
Washington
State
Court Interpreters
&Translators
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