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Translation |
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Translation subject specializations
Other services
About translation
Translation is a specialized art that requires linguistic and cultural knowledge, thorough research, and writing skills (by contrast, interpretation deals with the spoken word). A good translation is "transparent." It reads like an original. It faithfully conveys the full message and style of the source text. A translated poem should read like poetry, but a technical document should use terminology appropriate to the field. You might wonder whether you could just buy software or find a website that can produce quick and (very) dirty translations. At best the output may give you a general idea of the source document; at worst it won't make a bit of sense, or it will be unintentionally hilarious. If you want a competent translation, you should probably consult a human. But not just any human. A qualified translator not only has expertise in the language and cultural context of the source material, but also high-level knowledge of the subject and excellent writing skills in the target language. Some rare individuals are truly bilingual, but most translators only accept translating assignments into their native language, in my case English. If you want something translated into another language, I may be able to help you find the right person for the job, but I will not attempt it myself.
Can't do it. Don't do it. I have enormous respect for interpreters, who must "perform" as they do their job with the spoken word. In contrast, translators work with the written word and thus have the leisure to stop, consult a dictionary or two, search the Web for background material, or consult with colleagues, then return to the project. Translators may go through several drafts. Interpreters have only one chance to get it right.
Finding the right translator So how do you find the right translator for a given project? First you must decide whether to engage translation services companies or individual translators. Each choice has its advantages. Companies can help a client with a wide variety of languages and subject areas. They can often coordinate translator teams for especially large projects that have urgent deadlines. They can also provide a range of auxiliary services. Independent or freelance translators have lower overhead expenses and therefore may be a more economical choice if your needs are well-defined and narrowly focused. If you opt for the latter, look first for someone with thorough understanding of the culture and language of the source material plus superior writing skills in the target language. Second, get someone with expertise in the subject matter. Translators must thoroughly understand what they are reading in order to express the concepts appropriately in the target language. If I cannot accept your assignment I'll try to recommend someone. Otherwise you may want to consult the member directories or online databases of regional and national professional associations of translators and interpreters.
What does a translator need from the client? For starters, a clearly written work order should specify rates, deadlines, formatting, means of delivery, and any other special requirements. Good translating, like good writing, takes time. The source text must be read and understood. Sometimes this requires research. Supplying glossaries, supporting materials in the target language, and previous translations will help the translator produce better work with consistent terminology within a shorter time period. The reproduction quality of the original also affects turnaround time. The source document may be e-mailed as a computer file, if available, or faxed if the original is typed or printed and legible. For poorly reproduced material the client should provide the best-quality hard copy possible. Finally, since good translators constantly seek to improve their work, they welcome thoughtful feedback. What can a client expect from the translator? Good translators must be detail-oriented. They should be able to detect minor errors in the original, such as typos and grammatical mistakes, and correct them without comment. They should also be able to "fill in the blanks" caused by poorly legible copy. If the source document has serious errors or terminology questions that cannot be resolved, they should be pointed out, either as footnotes in the text or in accompanying notes. Clients should expect a reasonably accurate quote once the translator examines the source text. Fees usually depend on the length of the target text, calculated by computer word count, so the final bill may differ slightly from the quote. The rate depends on many of the factors discussed above that affect the complexity of the text and the time required. The translator should meet agreed-upon specifications and deadlines. If problems cause unforeseen delays, the translator should contact the client immediately.
Becoming a translator: a case study I have worked as a translator for more than 25 years. Despite having studied a number of languages formally, I achieved the ability to converse in only a few (Russian, German, modern Greek, and Arabic). And unfortunately, without practice, even those abilities have receded. However, my facility with written Russian, especially technical documents, continues to increase, sometimes glacially slow, other times by great leaps. My first paid assignment materialized while I attended graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin. A researcher wanted some documents on bat and dolphin sonar translated from Russian into English. The researcher would take care of technical details if he could just get the text in understandable English. It worked out to about 65 cents an hour, but I was hooked. The translation process was like working crossword puzzles, but with pay. Plus, it gave me a chance to learn about a variety of fascinating subjects. With a new M.A. in Slavic linguistics
and few job prospects, I realized that translating for a local company
could provide a subsistence living. Soon it became clear that the work
required more than linguistic knowledge. One word can sum up the next 25-plus years: practice, as in a law or medical practice. Language skills develop over time and require continuing efforts to learn new terminology and subject matter. So if you like to learn, have a knack for language and word puzzles, and happen to be a specialist in a particular field, maybe you could become a translator, too. Resources for translators and interpreters
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© R. Michael Conner 1999–2001. All rights reserved.
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Many assignments
related to the oil industry, with materials from geophysical exploration
and descriptions of geological formations promising for oil and gas. For
background, I embarked on university coursework
following the degree plan for a geology major. It didn't hurt that
fossils and plate tectonics had always fascinated me. 