subject: Literal Translation [print this page] From time to time translation agencies receive requests for a literal translation. This seemingly inoffensive adjective is much like the term obscene. No one is quite sure how to define it, but we all know it when we see it. When a literal translation is explicitly specified, an agency specializing in intellectual property translation reacts somewhat like a minister who is asked to preach a religious sermon: thats the only kind I know.
Clearly one thing that literal means is dont embellish, dont summarize, a fundamental principle for IP translators. Sometimes, however, a totally straightforward translation fails to convey the meaning.
Sometimes a literal translation provides too much information. A conscientious translator may feel bound to translate every word, no matter how peripheral to the basic subject matter. Did the requester really want the phone numbers and addresses of all 14 branch offices of that foreign patent office? On a somewhat higher level, differences in the structure of source and target language may interfere with comprehension if the translator takes a slavishly literal approach. In translations of Japanese patents, for example, one often encounters phrases such as the fluid passes through between retaining walls 3 and 4. Even if there are two prepositions in the original, one will do quite nicely in English. The art of translation is to convey the meaning as precisely as possible without distortion by the grammatical peculiarities of the source language.
Similar problems occur in languages that allow the formation of new compound words almost at will. In an attempt at extra precision, the Japanese or German patent attorney writes, literally, a windshield wiper motor used to operate a windshield wiper arm supporting a windshield wiper blade for wiping the windshields of motor vehicles. If wiper motor and wiper arm are the accepted terms of art in English, there is absolutely no loss of information from adopting these less literal alternatives. A good technical translator will not ignore how the translation reads, but will reluctantly accept something less than beautiful prose if the job requires. This is what I believe customers mean when they ask for a literal translation.
With translations as with prayers, its always a good thing to think twice about what you wish for. You just might get it.
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.
