Don Not Get Lost In The Process Of Translation

Language is slippery

Language is slippery. The precise meaning of words can slip and slide rather than remain fixed. Consider the sign that reads 'Dogs must be carried on an escalator' it not means that if you have a dog you should pick it up before riding the escalator. But means trying to borrow a dog so they can get to the upper level for the poor obedient people frantically.

If the slippery nature of meaning is a problem in the use of just one language, the issues are multiplied for professional translators or those translating while pursuing language studies abroad or learning a new language at home. When working across several languages, maintaining the meaning of slippery words can become a veritable ice rink. Here are some areas that can easily get lost in translation:

Acronyms are often a headache for translators. Do you keep the original acronym or do you create a new one from your translation of the organisation's name? From one point of view, it depends on how well known the organisation is. For example, the WTO's acronym in French (OMC) is as well known as the English one. However, it is a different matter for lesser-known bodies. If you translate the name of an organisation, it would make sense to also translate the acronym. But then you run the risk of making the organisation completely unrecognisable. One safe way to deal with this issue is to leave the original name and acronym - 'Summer Camp Switzerland' and SSC, for example - but include a translation of the name in brackets when it first appears.

Automatic translators, such as Google Translate, will often struggle with idiomatic phrases. Generally speaking, idioms are expressions that cannot be completely understood from the meanings of their individual components.

Phrases such as 'a heavy smoker' require not just knowledge of the individual words but an understanding and appreciation of how the language is actually used in everyday speech. The phrase refers to someone who smokes a lot rather than an overweight nicotine addict. During a recent German course in Freiburg a student encountered a similar problem translating the idiomatic German phrase 'ein blaues auge', referring to someone who was 'blue-eyed' rather than someone with a 'black eye' from being hit.

There are many other potential problem areas for translators, including: the proper names of people, organisations and places; the use of slang; and handling punctuation conventions. While the solution you come up with is one of personal choice, you should look carefully at how others have handled the issues and choose what appears to be the most elegant and effective solution. It is also important to be consistent - choose a way to treat something and stick with it throughout.

Aunes Oversettelser AS has been in the business for 26 years, and we are specialized in technical translations. We are specializing in the Nordic languages, and can offer services into Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Icelandic. The premier translation agency for Norway and the Nordic region! Technical translation services for businesses in the Nordic countries and translation agencies world wide.

by: carmen

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