Unmasking Seven Misconceptions Prevailing About the Translation Industry

1. Unmasking Seven Misconceptions Prevailing About the Translation Industry We all are hearing from a long time that globalization is bringing the world together and international borders are becoming invisible. Globalization has also placed the translation on the list of essentials for most of the global businesses. It is because translation is not merely in literature, but also in religion, culture, politics, history, and economics. Nowadays, it has become common to read a translation without even realizing that it has been translated. The need for quality translations is increasing day by day. However, even after this significance, translation services are surrounded by various misconceptions. Here are some of the major myths about translations: 1. Anyone Speaking Two Languages can be a Translator: Translation is a skill which means you have to put some efforts and time to practice so that you can hone the skills. It is essential to acquire excellent writing skills in the intended language, able to do research, know the terminology, and use CAT-tools. Will it be an effective decision to hire your friend who studied French at the University almost 15 years ago to translate your website? Not at all! 2. Efficient Translators can Translate Anything: Well, it is one of the most widespread misconceptions about the translators. However, it is not the truth! Can you hire the same translator to translate a legal contract, some technical writing, or a marketing report in your native language? Perhaps not! It is because these kinds of translations demand different background and translation skills. If you are thinking to get a high-quality translation service, you should not only look for the knowledge of a foreign language in the translator but also the experience and skills required for the subject. 3. Machine Translation will Sweep Away the Demand for Human Translation: With the advancement of technologies, computer systems are getting more advanced and smarter. The quality of translations performed by the machines is improving drastically. You can get the exact solution with the help of automated translation tools. It is because they are capable of translating any foreign language. However, machine translation is not going to wipe out the demand for human translators. It is because they do not have www.abacustranslations.com.au

2. the social conscience, context, connotations, coherence, and cultural awareness. Machine translation is capable of churning out massive amounts of data in no time; however, a human translator will always be required for cultural references or comprehend humor. 4. Interpreting and Translating Demands Same Skills: One of the widespread misconceptions about the translation industry is that interpreters and translators need the same skills. However, interpretation is a kind of sign-language or oral communication while translation is written communication. This simply means they need different skills. However, they both require good knowledge of both target language and the source language. An excellent translator is synonymous with being an excellent writer, researcher, reader, and critical thinker. They have to consider where it will be published and who the audience is. However, the audience of an interpreter is immediate and present. It demands a combination of skill set like active listening, quick thinking, multitasking, and public speaking. Many professionals interpret and translate, but both industries demand different skills. 5. Higher Prices Means Higher Quality: Unluckily, higher prices do not ensure the best quality always. Hiring a translator is not an easy task, the reason being you cannot judge the quality in advance, and you have to keep faith in your service provider. You can also get an independent reviewer who can help you to select the translator for the task. 6. You can Get High-Quality Translation Without Interacting with the Translator: A skilled translator will ask you questions. If they can get the answer themselves, they will not disturb you with the queries. However, it is always a good idea to stay in touch with the project manager or your translator. Your translators can come across some mistakes in the source file and because of this, they might need your help. The chances of finding errors are high because very few people will read the source file as strictly as the translator doing the translation. 7. Word to Word Translation: While asking for translation services, many clients ask for “literal” or “word for word” translation. However, primarily it relies upon the project and its objective. There are certain translations which end up being more straightforward, direct and close to the original. However, there is nothing like the word for word translation because of the complexity of language, context-sensitive, syntactically distinct, cultural influences, and constantly evolving nature. Whether you need language interpretation services regarding your specific project or want to know more about translation services, do not hesitate to contact us! www.abacustranslations.com.au