Translate to Communicate - How Professional Translators Work
Did you know that we respond better emotionally when we use our native language? In other words, we can identify more closely with a message when it’s received in our mother tongue, as opposed to any other languages we may speak. Therefore, in order to communicate successfully with clients; professional, efficient translations of texts are absolutely critical.
But what is a professional translation?
When a piece of text is translated from one language to another, it’s not only spelling and grammar that need to be taken into account. The text still needs to strike a chord with its readers, so the relevant connotations must be implied. A professional translator, translating to their native language, understands the subtleties of the language and knows when certain implications simply won’t work. Take the following safety notice:
We’re sure they didn’t really mean that stopping mid-walk to wrestle with a cliff was the best way to prevent yourself from falling off it. Undoubtedly, the meaning of the text in this free translation is salvaged by the use of common sense...but wouldn’t it have been better to communicate this imperative message with absolute clarity?
Of course, a truly good translation must be faithful to the original.
A professional translator will go beyond the content and really connect with an audience.
They will identify the communication style of their client and adapt their writing style accordingly, whilst always taking cultural differences into account. An acceptable translation reproduces the meaning of a text. A quality translation stirs the same reaction in an audience as the original text.
Professionals don’t translate robotically, they translate creatively.
Linguistic jokes, humour and puns are all adapted accordingly. When it comes to the subject area of a text, thorough research is conducted and translators acquaint themselves with the relevant terminology.
Finally, behind every great translation service is a second pair of eyes to eliminate any errors and give the text a final ‘polish.’ This invaluable service comes from a professional proofreader.
Our team of native translators and adept proofreaders are here to help, no matter what the nature of your work is. Get in touch to ensure that your text is remembered for all the right reasons.