Five Ways the Right Interpreter or Translator Overcomes Linguistic Challenges for You
Finding the right interpreter or translator for a project is crucial to its success. Whether you need help with business projects, non-profit organization marketing, or personal communications, the meaning of your messages and documents must not change or become challenging when translated into another language. You need to find a professional who can help overcome linguistic challenges. These five ways outline the type of help needed and why an experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled human translator or interpreter outshines AI or automated systems.
1 – Grammar and Basic Language Structure
Translators and interpreters must have a deep understanding of the linguistic structure and grammar of the languages they translate to ensure accurate and idiomatic translations. This part of the process is the basic foundation for all multi-lingual communication and writing. Depending on the specific project, translators may also help each person involved with the process correct errors in grammar, sentence structure, or jargon to ensure clearer and fuller understanding.
2 – Word Choice in Context
Translators and interpreters must be aware of the pragmatics of language, such as how words are used in context and the vast array of decisions that influence word choice. One of the biggest issues with automated systems like Google Translate and similar programs is that they simply exchange one word for a synonym. This can often result in awkward and obviously unprofessional writing. Even if a dictionary or language database lists two words as having the same meaning, it does not mean that people reading them will get the same experience.
3 – Cultural Details and Colloquialism
Linguistics provides a framework for understanding the cultural context of language use, which is crucial for making appropriate choices in translation. People who are trained to translate a document from one language to another may come up with similar word choices. However, readers from different cultures may view the terms or expressions in very different ways. Culture influences everything from idioms to what constitutes a sensitive or inappropriate topic. Choosing local translation experts makes the end project natural, relevant, and inoffensive.
4 – Terminology for Special Fields
Translators and interpreters must have a comprehensive knowledge of specialized vocabulary and terminology for the field or industry they provide linguistic services for. This goes far beyond simple language skills in grammar or even cultural idioms. Every industry or niche has unique words and phrases. For example, even the best translator or interpreter could not help with medical, legal, or industrial documentation without extra knowledge of those specific fields. Not only will they not know or understand the terminology, but they also will not be able to meet communication expectations. Industry-specific translators and interpreters have the required skills to help diverse teams avoid misunderstandings and prevent potentially serious problems from arising.
5 – Translation Theory
Very little about professional translation and interpretation services focuses on finding a straightforward, word-to-word change from one language to another. All the above-mentioned details go into every line on a document or sentence spoken in a meeting. Translation theory takes it one step further. Linguistic training and understanding provide a framework for making informed decisions about how to best convey the true meaning of the words to someone who does not speak the same language.