Translation Techniques
Within this post we present you some translating techniques to help you achieve a better way to handle your translation tasks and we hope to answer some of the questions you may have before accepting a translation job.There are a few things you should consider when committing yourself to any translation job, which can be very important for your personal gratification and development of the work, such as how familiar you are with the subject to be engaged. Are you familiar enough with the topic being translated? Do you have the right resources to do it and are you able to finish the job on time as agreed upon between you and your client? What would be a good reason for doing it? (E.g. gratification, financially, gain knowledge). Knowing the exactly answers to these questions will help you find good ways to approach a translation work and become even more qualified to more specific subject matter.
Before you get started, let’s take a quick look at these important topics:
- Necessary equipment to work with - Having a good computer you can rely on is extremely important: it allows a fast word processing; consistent text storage space; easy way to get in touch with clients and to research specific topics and terms when necessary.
- Qualification to translate any subject matter – Being confident about the text contents to be translated, provides adequate results and increases your chances to be hired again by the same clients for future translation assignments.
- How long does the document take to be translated? – Past experience may help you estimate how much time you will need to complete a translation project.
- What references are needed to get it done? – Make sure you have a reliable source of information you may need to complete the project. Using good and updated dictionaries are always very helpful.
- Preliminary prior steps before proceeding with translation – make a little checklist of the things you will need during the translation process.
- Quality of the original document – The quality of a document can affect in its translation context so be sure you’re able to read it and understand clearly.
- Is there any other language in the translation textual context? - Are you familiar with this second language to be translated along with the actual target language?
Remember to revise your work using this simple checklist:
- Look for any word or sentence you may have had difficulty while translating;
- Check the originality of the document’s format;
- Any mistranslated words or phrases?
- Are there any grammatical mistake?
- Does the document make sense? Make sure the reading is clear and understandable.
- Is the overall context of the document consistent? Look for words you may have translated differently without any specific reason.
The CTP team hopes you find these tips useful and do not hesitate to email us with any questions you might have.
By Vanessa Greenway, CTP Associate
Related Resources:
1. Translator Certification
2. Online Translator Training
3. Translator Designation
4. Translation Certificate
Tags: Translator Training, Translation Techniques, Translation Job, Translation Career, Translation Work, Translation Certification, Translation Checklist, Translation Best Practice.
