Step 3: Translation

With source documents and glossaries in hand, our translators can set about performing the most important stage of the project lifecycle. The process of translating a file is something that on the outside seems relatively simple: The translator reads through your source file, interprets the meaning and text, and outputs the translated text into a new digital file.

 

However, the process is quite complex and personalized. No two source texts are written the same. Thematic differences can vary greatly, particularly between different types of documents, such as wills, business contracts, software documentation, or car owner manuals. Furthermore, no two translators approach the translation process in exactly the same way. One of the biggest reasons of all is that every human language is structured and functions differently from one another, which does require a different mindset in which to communicate and translate.

 

There is also the case of the source text containing a challenging text that proves difficult to translate. When this happens, the translator can usually arrive at a correct translation by reviewing your glossary file or referencing his/her toolkit of scores of online and printed dictionaries. He or she may even confer with you about the specifics of a word or acronym. These queries stem from a desire to create the most faithful and accurate translation possible.

 

While some liken translation to a mysterious black box that spits out translated text, we prefer to think of our translators as language artists. Their work is achieved in a fashion similar to an artist painting a landscape. While there is certainly a logical, methodical component to the process, a great deal of translation is achieved through interpreting the text, understanding the context and cultural nuance and considering voice and stylistic patterns, in order to render an accurate translation.

 

Translation is an artistic, right-brained process. It can be lengthy and complex and require a great deal of creativity in order to result in the masterpiece that is your finished translation. The subsequent stages (editing and proofreading) refine and polish a translated text to ensure its accuracy will meet the expectations and needs of your audience.