The profession of translation is rather misunderstood outside the circles where language professionals operate. This article discusses 3 common misconceptions about translation that are still (alas!) very widespread, as well as 3 reasons to use the services of a translation firm (although we could mention many others!).
1st common misconception about a translation firm: A good translator translates into several languages.
It’s true that translators are very interested in languages, and naturally, there are many who can speak several. But it’s not enough to speak a language to create professional-quality translations. In reality, the vast majority of translators work in a single language that they have mastered perfectly, which corresponds to their mother tongue.
1st reason to use the services of a translation firm: By relying on professionals, you’ll get accurate translations.
In addition to being familiar with the source language, a translator must master all the subtleties of the target language. They must also know different techniques for translation and terminological research. This knowledge is acquired through university-level studies in translation and several years of practice. A reputable translation firm hires qualified translators to provide you with translations that perfectly recreate all the nuances of meaning in the original text.
2nd common misconception: You just have to be bilingual to translate documents.
When you have a text in another language before your eyes, it’s very hard not to be influenced by its style and phrasing. The natural tendency is to translate word-for-word. A bilingual person who hasn’t studied translation thus risks producing a translation that’s overly “stuck on” the original text and that “feels” like a translation.
2nd reason to use the services of a translation firm: Professional translators will produce idiomatic texts.
A good translation shouldn’t just be accurate. It should also be “idiomatic” – that is, it should correspond to the way people naturally express themselves in the language in question. Translators who work for a translation firm are familiar with the different adaptation techniques that lead to translations that are both accurate and idiomatic.
3rd common misconception about a translation firm: With technology, translators will soon no longer be necessary.
There are now machine translation programs that are constantly improving. It’s therefore only a matter of time before these technologies wind up replacing translators, isn’t it? Well, if that’s what you believe, you’ve got the wrong idea! Even the most advanced software can never generate translations that are properly suited to the culture and realities of the readers.
3rd reason to use the services of a translation firm: A professional translation agency offers human service that’s attentive to your needs.
By doing business with a translation firm, you’ll get much more than accurate, idiomatic translations: you’ll get human service that’s attentive to your realities. In addition, some translation agencies now offer 360° solutions for all your language services needs, which makes them essential business partners!
Are you curious to know how a translation firm can help you reach your goals? SLRR Translation Agency has the answers you need!
