subject: Lost in Translation? Not Anymore [print this page] In a globalised business world it is extremely important to communicate clearly with people of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, without any language barriers. Most freelance translation services are geared towards breaking down this barrier worldwide and the cost of it isn't very high either. There are two different types of services offered by freelancers.
Document translation services - It mostly addresses written material. There is a world of difference between translating spoken and written language, hence a different service is required interpreting documents that are written in a different language than your own. The services may also include CV, email, web content, technical, marketing, legal & financial translations.
Business Translation Services - Handling foreign clients isn't easy and to overcome the translation challenges, services where your meetings with your clients may need translation etc, are employed.
But the job of person offering freelance translation services isn't easy and there are certain misconceptions involved in this field which must be comprehensively addressed to enhance all forms of business communications worldwide. Let's look at some of these fallacies.
Words or phrases found in one language might be unavailable in the language it is being translated into. A professionally qualified translator knows this and hence produces high quality text.
Most people think that the ability to read and write in a second language is enough qualification for becoming a translator. This misconception could lead to several errors in the translated text as every language has nuances that require years of practice & training.
Shortcuts like using machine based translators would only ruin your text, as machines are not equipped & are incompetent at handling figures of speech, wordplays, idiomatic expressions etc.
Translation is an activity that involves expressing the exact message and the linguistic context, keeping in mind the message that is to be translated. Taking into account the above mentioned translation challenges and misconceptions; one must hire a professional translator to minimize the risks of mistakes in the translated documents.
