In the most basic terms, translation seems rather simple – words from one language into a fashion where they are allowed in another language, and you are completed. However, as any professional translator will tell you, a good translation is anything but straightforward. It is an art to not only communicate in the right words but also to bring forth cultural and industry knowledge and an eye for detail regarding what will and will not work. Let us take a closer look at the whys and what-is behind translation and what only the pros know.
As professional translators understand, translation has to do with providing meaning and not simply exchanging words. Know-how between languages is third-party effectively mannered as they relate deeply to culture, context, and emotion. The translator should be fully aware of the purpose, tone, and implied meaning of the original text so that the same message with the same voice, appeal, and impact is conveyed to the destination audience or audience. A literal by-the-book approach often fails—or worse, alters the meaning entirely.
All languages reflect the values and traditions of culture. Professionals understand what influences the way how people perceive the message, and culture puts a lot of it into the perception. A term or concept that makes sense in one language may have other implications—or even offend—in another.
Some disciplines have their jargon and their requirements — think medicine, law, or technology. Commercial translators tend to focus on a few industries to guarantee all highly technical or specialized terminologies are accurately translated.
Providing customer support in a user or customer native language goes a long way in making the experience of the user better which in turn creates more satisfied and loyal customers. Thanks to professional translation services, businesses can provide localized support through product instructions, FAQs, chat support, and even marketing materials.
Now, professional translators know that translation goes hand to hand with localization. Localization means making the content more aligned with the culture and region of the target audience. This entails adapting currency, date formats, units of measure, and even humor or idioms to meet local expectations.
Translation is not just a mechanical task; it is a creative, intellectual one that requires linguistic ability, cultural familiarity, and subject matter expertise. They can direct the complexities of language and culture, avoiding causing problems where native context is important, making sure your message will get understood and received by your target audience only by professional translators.